Israel’s relationship with its biggest aid donor, the United States might be under scrutiny after a Newsweek report alleges the Jewish state spies more than any other ally on America.
The story sufficed after the weekly magazine quoted classified documents, which say Israel is obtaining intelligence on America’s industrial and technical programs.
One U.S. official called the spying “alarming and “even terrifying”, according to Newsweek.
"No other country close to the United States continues to cross the line on espionage like the Israelis do," another congressional staffer was quoted as saying.
"But when you step back and hear... That there are no other countries taking advantage of our security relationship the way the Israelis are for espionage purposes, it is quite shocking,” the staffer continued.
On Wednesday, Israel’s right-wing foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman called the allegations “baseless and unfounded” and denied all accusations.
Lieberman also rejected claims by Newsweek that the spying was connected to Israel’s failed attempts to join the U.S. visa waiver program.
U.S. naval analyst Jonathan Pollard was jailed for life in 1987 for stealing thousands of secrets for Israel prompting the Jewish state to declare and end to espionage activities in America.
Despite this, more Israeli spies have been arrested and tried in American courts, according to Newsweek.
