US Intelligence Warns of Escalating Israeli Espionage on Peace Negotiators
Recent U.S. intelligence reports have raised alarms over intensified Israeli surveillance of American officials involved in peace talks with Iran, marking a significant escalation in counterintelligence tensions between the two allies. The concerns, detailed in a report by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), highlight Israel’s efforts to intercept communications from senior U.S. negotiators, including Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s top Iran envoy, and Pentagon policy official Elbridge Colby.
Rising Counterintelligence Concerns
The DIA report, which incorporates input from multiple military intelligence agencies, categorizes Israel’s espionage activities as a “critical” counterintelligence threat—its highest rating. The assessment follows incidents where U.S. defense personnel in Israel detected unauthorized software on their devices, allegedly installed by Israeli intelligence. The report notes a sharp increase in such activities since late 2024, coinciding with heightened diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Israel over Gaza and Iran policies.
“The aggressiveness of Israeli intelligence collection on top U.S. officials during the second Trump administration has been ‘unhinged,’” a senior U.S. official said, speaking anonymously. The report also references past incidents, including 2021 cases where Israeli military intelligence officers were caught planting listening devices at DIA headquarters and Shin Bet agents attempting to tap a Secret Service vehicle.
Military Cooperation and Information Sharing
Despite the tensions, U.S. and Israeli military coordination remains close, with Israeli officers working alongside American counterparts at U.S. Central Command (Centcom). However, the DIA report warns that the sharing of sensitive tactical and operational data could be jeopardized if the Pentagon imposes new restrictions. A U.S. military official noted that personnel in Israel employ strict security protocols to protect devices, though details were withheld for security reasons.