In the past, the USA repeatedly had to defend itself against allegations of intercepting partners - including German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Now an espionage scandal reversed in Washington is provoking excitement: US President Donald Trump and his closest associates are said to have been victims of a wiretapping operation. Under suspicion of espionage is Israel, one of the US's closest allies.
What are the allegations?
Israeli agents are said to have installed interception technology near the White House and other "vulnerable locations" in Washington. The US media Politico reported on Thursday, citing three senior, former employees of the intelligence and security apparatus of the United States.
Foreign intelligence agencies can hope to intercept important cell phone communications because, according to media reports, President Trump has repeatedly violated the security protocol: at least in the past, he did not always use a secure phone but preferred to use his smartphone. Even Russia and China are said to have overheard in his phone calls.
The Department of Homeland Security announced in early 2018 that the devices were discovered in Washington. But only after an in-depth forensic analysis could the origin of the eavesdropping be determined. "It was pretty clear that the Israelis were responsible," "Politico" quotes one of the former US intelligence agents. Whether the eavesdropping was successful and if so, what information was skimmed off, is not yet known.
Which technology should have been used?
The common name for the mini-listening stations is "Stingray", after the model of the manufacturer Harris Corporation. Technically correct they are called International Mobile Subscriber Identity Catchers (IMSI Catchers). These briefcase-sized devices mimic the signals of ordinary broadcasting towers. Thus, they bring mobile phones within their reach to reveal information about their location and the identity of the SIM card used. In addition, they can scan the contents of phone calls, emails and text messages.
What indicates that the eavesdropping came from Israel?
The fact that not just savvy hobby radio operators, but a government has placed the "Stingrays" in Washington, this is the cost alone: The amount per device can amount to 150,000 US dollars, writes Politico. Those who have commissioned the operation must have considerable resources.
On the trail of Israel, the US intelligence officials said forensic analysis said. It is often the NSA that conducts such investigations. Experts look at the components that make up the devices. How old are they? Who are the manufacturers? Where have identical parts been used before? Who had access to this technology? In this way, evidence is collected that has apparently condensed in this case.
What reason would Israel's government have to spy on its closest ally?
Washington regularly makes decisions that affect Israeli interests: how are things going with Iran? As in the Palestinian question? If Israel learns early on the state of discussion in the US government, diplomats can specifically promote their own national interests - for example, by pushing for a specific language rule.
Does the incident burden the American-Israeli relationship?
At the moment, the answer is: not serious. A denial came out of Israel immediately, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office described the report as a "blatant lie." A statement issued by the Israeli government on Thursday said, "There is a longstanding commitment and an order from the Israeli government not to carry out intelligence operations in the US This requirement is strictly enforced, without exception."
And Trump? He said after publication of the Politico story, he could hardly imagine that the Israelis had installed the "stringrays". "I do not think the Israelis spied on us," he said. "My relationship with Israel is great."
