Pentagon Raises Israel Counterintelligence Threat Level to Critical

The Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) elevated the counterintelligence threat level for Israel to critical, the highest possible designation. The move follows reports that Israeli intelligence agencies, including Shin Bet, targeted senior U.S. officials to monitor internal deliberations regarding conflicts in the Middle East and negotiations to end the war with Iran. Specific targets included Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, Pentagon policy officer Elbridge A. Colby, and official Michael P. DiMino IV.

Alleged espionage tactics included installing communication-monitoring software on the phones of U.S. personnel in Israel, attempting to plant listening devices in Secret Service vehicles, and trying to infiltrate the DIA headquarters. Some U.S. officials characterized these efforts as exceeding the tolerable boundaries between allies, with the Pentagon reportedly ranking Israel as a larger threat than some traditional enemies.

Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have faced escalating friction over military operations in Lebanon and a pending diplomatic deal with Iran. Trump reportedly berated Netanyahu for jeopardizing negotiations, while Israel continued strikes in Lebanon and launched attacks on Tehran and Isfahan following Iranian strikes.

Both the White House and the Israeli Embassy in Washington have dismissed the espionage reports as false and politically motivated. Israeli officials maintain that their intelligence efforts target adversaries rather than allies. Conversely, some analysts suggest the leaks may be a strategic effort by factions within the U.S. government to pressure Israel into halting military escalations before the 2026 midterm elections.