What's happened
In late 2024, the US temporarily cut off a live drone feed and restricted intelligence sharing with Israel over Gaza. The move followed concerns about civilian casualties, treatment of prisoners, and adherence to the law of war. Sharing resumed after Israel assured US compliance with rules.
What's behind the headline?
The US decision to restrict intelligence sharing with Israel reveals underlying tensions in their alliance. While the Biden administration publicly supports Israel, it has expressed concerns about the legality and morality of Israel's military actions in Gaza. The temporary cutoff of drone feeds underscores the US's attempt to enforce adherence to international law, especially regarding civilian casualties and prisoner treatment.
This move signals a shift from unconditional support to a more cautious approach, emphasizing accountability. It also exposes the fragility of US-Israel intelligence cooperation, which has historically been close but now faces scrutiny amid allegations of human rights abuses.
The decision will likely influence future intelligence sharing protocols, possibly leading to stricter oversight and legal conditions. It also sets a precedent that even close allies are subject to US standards, which could impact broader regional security dynamics. The next steps will depend on Israel's response and its willingness to align military conduct with international norms, affecting the broader US-Israel strategic partnership.
What the papers say
The Times of Israel and The New Arab both report that the US temporarily cut off a drone feed and restricted intelligence use by Israel over Gaza, citing concerns about civilian casualties and prisoner mistreatment. Reuters confirms the move was tactical, linked to concerns over Israel's compliance with the law of war. All sources agree that the restrictions were lifted after Israel provided assurances of adherence to US rules. The New Arab emphasizes the concerns over prisoner treatment, while Reuters highlights the legal and tactical considerations. The Times of Israel notes the broader context of ongoing US support and the internal debates within US intelligence agencies about balancing support with oversight. The contrasting perspectives underscore the complexity of US-Israeli relations during the Gaza conflict, with some sources emphasizing the tactical nature of the restrictions, and others pointing to deeper concerns about human rights and legal compliance.
How we got here
The US and Israel have maintained close intelligence cooperation, especially after the October 2023 Hamas attack. The US provided live drone feeds to assist Israel in targeting Hamas fighters and locating hostages. Concerns about civilian casualties and prisoner treatment prompted US restrictions on intelligence sharing, highlighting tensions over legal and ethical conduct during the Gaza conflict.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Did the US Withhold Gaza Intelligence from Israel?
In late 2024, the US temporarily restricted intelligence sharing with Israel over Gaza, raising questions about the reasons behind this move. Many wonder what prompted the US to cut off a drone feed and how this decision might impact ongoing conflicts and US-Israel relations. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex situation and what it means for the future of the Gaza conflict.
-
What Are the Key News Stories Today?
Stay informed with the latest headlines shaping the world today. From economic shifts in major cities to rising violence and international policy changes, these stories are crucial for understanding current events. Curious about how these events connect or what to watch for next? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your top questions.
More on these topics
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
The Israel Security Agency, better known by the acronym Shabak or the Shin Bet, is Israel's internal security service. Its motto is "Magen veLo Yera'e".
-
The United States Intelligence Community is a group of separate United States government intelligence agencies and subordinate organizations, that work separately and together to conduct intelligence activities to support the foreign policy and national s