The Pentagon has reportedly elevated its counterintelligence threat assessment concerning Israeli intelligence activities, reflecting growing unease within the US defense establishment amid widening policy disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over Iran and broader developments in West Asia.

According to current and former US officials cited by NBC News, the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) recently increased the counterintelligence threat level associated with the Israeli occupation authorities to its highest category. The move reportedly stems from concerns that Israeli intelligence services are seeking access to sensitive information regarding internal US policy discussions and strategic decision-making.

The report indicates that the DIA circulated an internal assessment warning that Israeli intelligence capabilities—including both human intelligence networks and sophisticated technical collection operations—were operating at a "critical" level.

US officials familiar with the matter told NBC News that Pentagon concerns center on the possibility that Israeli intelligence agencies are attempting to gain insight into deliberations within the administration of President Donald Trump, particularly regarding Iran, Lebanon, and regional security policy.

The heightened alert reportedly comes at a time when tensions have emerged between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future direction of policies toward Iran.

Following an April ceasefire that halted active hostilities, the Trump administration has reportedly focused on diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a lasting settlement. In contrast, Netanyahu has allegedly favored maintaining pressure on Iran while supporting continued military operations in Lebanon and other regional theaters.

According to officials cited in the report, US defense authorities are concerned that intelligence collection efforts may be aimed at determining whether Washington intends to pursue renewed military action against Iran or continue pursuing diplomatic negotiations.

The reported assessment has also revived longstanding concerns regarding intelligence activities conducted by close allies.

Current and former American officials noted that senior US government personnel frequently adopt additional security precautions when traveling to the occupied Palestinian territories. Such measures reportedly include the use of temporary communication devices, restrictions on sensitive conversations, and enhanced operational security procedures.

Intelligence experts emphasized that espionage among allied nations is not unusual. However, some former officials argued that the latest concerns appear to extend beyond routine intelligence gathering and reflect a deeper erosion of trust.

Observers also pointed to the case of Jonathan Pollard, the former US intelligence analyst convicted in the 1980s of passing classified American intelligence information to Israel. The affair generated significant tensions between the two governments and remains one of the most controversial espionage cases in the history of US-Israeli relations.

Former officials warned that allegations of intensified intelligence collection efforts could further strain relations between Washington and Tel Aviv at a time when policy differences over Iran, Lebanon, and regional security appear increasingly pronounced.

Analysts suggest that any perception of espionage targeting sensitive US policy deliberations may complicate coordination between the two allies and deepen existing disagreements regarding the future direction of regional strategy in West Asia.

The reported Pentagon assessment underscores the growing friction behind the scenes as both governments navigate diverging approaches to ongoing geopolitical challenges across the region. (ILKHA)