Israel Police Accused of Using Pegasus Spyware Against Citizens and Officials

Israeli media reports alleged that Israel Police used NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware for years to monitor dozens of people, including senior government officials, mayors, protest leaders, journalists, activists, and associates and relatives of former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to the reports, some of those targeted were not suspected of crimes, and the surveillance was allegedly carried out without proper judicial authorization because investigators believed approval would not be granted.

The allegations triggered a widening political and legal backlash in Israel. Police initially denied any improper use of spyware, then said additional findings had changed the picture in some respects while maintaining that their actions were lawful and court-approved. Senior officials, including President Isaac Herzog and Interior Minister Ayelet Shaked, called for a thorough external investigation, and a committee of inquiry was appointed to examine the claims. The disclosures also raised questions about whether any unlawful surveillance could affect cases tied to Netanyahu, although prosecutors reportedly said the alleged spyware use was not connected to evidence in his corruption trial.