During the second half of 2024, elements within the Biden administration’s intelligence community briefly suspended the sharing of specific, sensitive intelligence with Israel amid the ongoing war against Hamas in Gaza. The move included shutting down, for several days, a live video feed from a US-operated MQ-9 Reaper drone that Israel had been using to help locate Hamas terrorists and assist in hostage recovery efforts.

According to officials familiar with the matter, the decision was driven by growing internal concerns within US intelligence agencies over civilian casualties in Gaza and allegations regarding the treatment of Palestinian detainees. These concerns prompted demands for renewed assurances that American intelligence would be used strictly in accordance with the laws of war, as required under US law.

The withholding was described as limited and tactical, not a change in overall US policy. Intelligence sharing and military assistance to Israel continued throughout the war, and cooperation was restored after Israel provided the requested assurances. Israeli officials emphasized that strategic intelligence coordination between the two allies remained intact during the conflict.