Pentagon Raises Israel Counterintelligence Threat Level to Critical

The Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency raised the counterintelligence threat level for Israel to "critical" in recent weeks, according to two current U.S. officials and one former U.S. official. The new assessment came amid rising tensions over the war with Iran and Israel's military operations in Lebanon.

The designation reflects concerns that Israel is seeking details on internal U.S. deliberations and decision-making.

" The document also lists specific incidents that prompted the change. The officials said the rating exceeds what is considered normal among close allies. They added that the change does not appear to have affected daily intelligence sharing between the two countries.

Israeli and U.S.

" "Israel does not gather intelligence on American entities, let alone US government officials," the spokesperson said. "Israel intelligence collection efforts are aimed at its enemies, not its allies. " The Pentagon declined to comment.

Current and former officials noted that Israel has long maintained a reputation for aggressive intelligence collection even against close partners. They said U.S. personnel traveling to Israel routinely take extra precautions such as using burner phones.

" The officials said the most immediate practical effect is that U.S. personnel will exercise additional caution during travel to Israel or meetings with Israeli counterparts.