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U.S. Briefly Withheld Intelligence from Israel during Biden Era
(Reuters) Erin Banco - U.S. intelligence officials temporarily suspended sharing some key information with Israel during the Biden administration, according to six people familiar with the matter. In the second half of 2024, the U.S. cut off a live video feed from a U.S. drone over Gaza which was being used by Israel in its hunt for hostages and Hamas militants. The suspension lasted for at least a few days. The U.S. also restricted how Israel could use certain intelligence in its pursuit of high-value military targets in Gaza. One source said intelligence officials have latitude to make some intelligence-sharing decisions in real time without an order from the White House. The decision inside the intelligence agencies to withhold information was limited and tactical, as officials sought to ensure that Israel was using American intelligence in accordance with the law of war. The intelligence sharing resumed after Israel provided assurances that it would follow U.S. rules. Denying battlefield intelligence to a key ally, particularly during a conflict, is unusual, said experts. In the final weeks of the administration - months after the intelligence was shut off and restored - intelligence officials proposed at a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Biden that the U.S. more formally cut off some intelligence that had been provided to Israel following the Oct. 7 attack. Biden chose not to cut off the intelligence.