Overview
- The Defense Intelligence Agency has elevated the counter‑espionage threat tied to Israel to a 'critical' level, signaling highest concern within the Pentagon.
- U.S. reporting says Israeli intelligence made focused efforts to collect information on senior American figures, with media naming negotiator Steve Witkoff and Pentagon policy official Elbridge Colby as alleged targets.
- U.S. reviews cite concrete incidents dating back to 2021 and 2025 that involve attempted installations of listening devices and other technical collection against U.S. targets.
- American personnel have adopted stricter operational measures such as using disposable phones and tighter protocols for travel and meetings with Israeli counterparts to limit vulnerabilities.
- The White House and the Israeli embassy have denied the allegations, while analysts warn the episode could erode trust, complicate close military and intelligence cooperation, and have political costs for Israel's leadership.