Reports: The United States withheld sensitive and precious intelligence information about Israel during the days of the war on the Gaza Strip

US intelligence officials temporarily suspended the exchange of some key information with Israel during former President Joe Biden’s administration over concerns about the conduct of the Gaza war, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters.

In the second half of 2024, the United States cut off the live broadcast from a US drone over Gaza, which was being used by the Israeli government to search for prisoners and Hamas fighters.

Five of the sources said the suspension lasted for at least several days.

The US has also restricted how Israel uses some intelligence in its quest to target critical military sites in Gaza, two of the sources said, and declined to say when the decision was made.

All the sources spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss US intelligence information.

The decision came as the US intelligence community grew concerned about the number of civilians killed in Israel’s war in Gaza.

According to sources, the officials were concerned about the mistreatment of Palestinian prisoners by the Shin Bet.

Three of the sources said officials also expressed concern that Israel did not provide sufficient assurances that it would abide by the laws of war when using US information.

Under US law, intelligence agencies must obtain these assurances before sharing information with any foreign country.

Two sources said that the decision to withhold information within the intelligence services was limited and tactical, and that the Biden administration has continued to pursue a policy of continuous support for Israel through the exchange of intelligence information and weapons.

The sources said the officials sought to ensure that Israel used US intelligence in accordance with the law of war.