Recent US intelligence reports have raised concerns over a “growing espionage threat” from Israel as Washington negotiates with Iran, The New York Times reported, citing US officials.
While the US and Israel have “long known and tolerated” mutual espionage, some American officials believe Israel’s intensified efforts to gather information on US positions in the Iran talks have “crossed a line,” the newspaper said on Saturday.
The reports indicate increased Israeli surveillance of senior US officials, including President Donald Trump’s chief negotiator Steve Witkoff, Pentagon policy chief Elbridge A. Colby and his deputy, Michael P. DiMino IV.
A separate Defence Intelligence Agency report raised Israel’s counterintelligence threat level from “high” to “critical,” citing efforts to spy on US military personnel and government officials.
The concerns come amid unprecedented military cooperation between the two countries in their war against Iran.
Although the US shares extensive tactical and operational intelligence with Israel, American officials believe Israel is seeking deeper insight into Trump’s negotiating strategy and evolving positions on the talks.
The warning could complicate further military integration if the Pentagon moves to restrict information-sharing with Israeli officers, the newspaper said.
Tensions already exist as Trump pursues diplomacy with Iran while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seeks to further weaken Iran, its government and regional allies.
