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U.S. Briefly Withheld Battlefield Intelligence From Israel During Gaza War

Officials moved to secure assurances that shared data would comply with laws of war.

Overview

  • Sources say the U.S. cut Israel’s access to a live Reaper drone video over Gaza for at least several days in the second half of 2024.
  • U.S. agencies also limited how certain targeting intelligence could be used against high‑value figures, according to people familiar with the decisions.
  • The steps followed concern over civilian deaths and reports of Shin Bet mistreating Palestinian detainees, plus insufficient assurances on lawful use.
  • Sharing resumed after Israel provided assurances, with officials describing the measures as tactical and taken without a White House order.
  • In late 2024, President Biden declined a proposed formal cutoff as administration lawyers said Israel had not violated international law, even as analysts raised serious questions.