U.S. Raises Counterintelligence Alert Amid Suspicions of Israeli Espionage

Darwin, 06 June : Tensions between the United States and Israel have reportedly intensified over the direction of the conflict involving Iran and Lebanon, as the Pentagon has elevated its counterintelligence alert status to the “highest level” over suspicions of Israeli espionage activities, according to a report by NBC News.

NBC, citing current and former U.S. officials, reported that growing concerns within the American defense establishment prompted the move.

U.S. authorities reportedly fear that Israel may be attempting to gather sensitive information regarding internal policy discussions and confidential deliberations among senior American officials related to the regional conflict.

A current U.S. official told NBC that the Pentagon’s assessment includes a seven-page document outlining specific incidents that have heightened Washington’s concerns about potential surveillance or intelligence-gathering efforts targeting top U.S. decision-makers.

However, the report has been firmly denied by both the White House and the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., rejecting claims of espionage against U.S. officials.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Defense, the Pentagon, declined to comment on the matter.

The reported developments come amid increasing strains between Washington and Tel Aviv over strategic approaches to the evolving situation in the Middle East.
Source: Al-Jajeera