Pentagon Raises Israel Threat Level
The Pentagon has raised its threat assessment for Israeli spying to "critical" amid concerns over increased surveillance of U.S. officials.
Lauren Collins ·
Pentagon Raises Israel Threat Level
The U.S. Pentagon's Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) has elevated its threat assessment regarding Israeli espionage against the United States from “high” to “critical” in recent weeks. This change, reported by U.S. media citing anonymous sources, reflects concerns over increasingly aggressive Israeli intelligence activities aimed at surveilling top U.S. officials and understanding White House deliberations on the ongoing conflict with Iran.
The heightened alert level follows an uptick in Israeli intelligence operations, which reportedly began in late 2024 during the Biden administration's increased pressure on Israel concerning the Gaza conflict. These activities continued into 2025 as the Trump administration considered its approach to Iran. Specific targets of alleged Israeli monitoring include U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and senior Pentagon officials Elbridge Colby and Michael DiMino IV.
While the U.S. Department of Defense has publicly denied these reports, the intelligence assessments indicate that Israel's recent espionage efforts surpass those of other U.S. allies and some countries with more strained relations. Previous incidents cited include attempts to plant listening devices at DIA headquarters in 2021 and in a Secret Service vehicle in 2025. This development is expected to prompt questions regarding the extensive intelligence and military cooperation between the two nations, which includes billions in U.S. military aid and weapons sales.