Defense Minister Benny Gantz says Israel is “studying” the reports that numerous governments used the Israeli NSO Group’s phone spyware to monitor journalists, lawyers and politicians in a number of countries.
“We are aware of the recent reports on the use of technologies that were developed by certain Israeli cyber companies,” he says.
“As a policy, Israel permits the export of approved cyber technologies solely to government, solely for legal use, and specifically for the aim of preventing and investigating crimes and terrorism,” says Gantz. “The countries buying these products must uphold their compliance with these demands.”
“We are studying the information that was publicized on this matter,” he says.
On Monday, the Defense Ministry said “appropriate action” would be taken if it confirms NSO Group violated the terms of its export license.
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