US worried Israel increasing efforts to spy on Witkoff, other senior officials — report

In this handout photo released by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 26, 2026, US special envoy Steve Witkoff (center) and Jared Kushner hold a meeting with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi (right) in Geneva. (Omani Foreign Ministry / AFP)
In this handout photo released by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 26, 2026, US special envoy Steve Witkoff (center) and Jared Kushner hold a meeting with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi (right) in Geneva. (Omani Foreign Ministry / AFP)

The US is concerned Israel has stepped up efforts to spy on senior American officials, including US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been involved in negotiations with Iran, The New York Times reports.

Citing US intelligence reports, the Times says Washington is also concerned Israel is stepping up efforts to listen in on United States Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby, and one of his deputies, Michael P. DiMino IV.

An Israeli embassy spokesperson denied the claims and said Israel does not spy on the US.

Earlier, NBC reported that the Pentagon in recent weeks raised the counterintelligence threat level from Israel to its highest designation, “critical,” amid growing tensions between the US and Israel over the direction of the wars in Iran and Lebanon.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.