Counterintelligence Risk from Israel Escalates
The Pentagon has raised its counterintelligence threat assessment for Israel to the highest possible level, citing a suspected surge in espionage activities. The Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) updated its risk evaluation amid growing disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over next steps in the war with Iran. Israel's threat rating was elevated to 'critical.'
Israel Responds as Congress Moves to Limit Presidential Power
The new DIA assessment—a seven-page document including a chart—references several specific incidents that heightened U.S. concerns. The Pentagon declined to comment on the decision. In response to the allegations, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington stated that claims of Israel spying on the United States are 'completely false.' The spokesperson also emphasized that Israel does not collect intelligence on American organizations, and that Israeli intelligence activities target enemies, not allies.
Separately, House lawmakers passed a resolution restricting President Donald Trump’s authority to unilaterally use military force against Iran. In this context, a White House representative said that
“this story is entirely false and comes from someone who has no idea what is happening.”
Tensions between the United States and Israel remain high, as the threat upgrade signals serious Washington concerns about potential spying. This move could strain bilateral relations, especially amid ongoing military operations against Iran. At the same time, the curtailment of presidential war powers reflects a surge in legislative oversight over U.S. foreign policy, which may also reshape regional dynamics.
As tensions escalate, the U.S. government is also addressing misinformation from Iran regarding diplomatic agreements. This situation highlights the broader complexities of international relations in the region. For a detailed account of the White House's response to Iranian claims, see the recent developments surrounding disinformation efforts.