- December 13, 2025
- 7:55 pm
- Middle East
The US temporarily suspended video streaming from a drone over the Gaza Strip, which was used by Israel to search for hostages and Hamas militants. Simultaneously, restrictions were imposed on the use of American intelligence data in operations against specific military targets. The decision was not publicized but became a noticeable signal within the strategic interaction system of the two countries.
What caused it
According to sources, the initiative came from the American intelligence community. They expressed concern over the number of civilian casualties and information about possible violations against Palestinian detainees by the Shin Bet security service. Washington emphasized that the use of US intelligence data must strictly comply with the laws of war and international humanitarian law.
Israel’s response and return to the previous format
The Israeli side gave official assurances of compliance with these norms. After that, the exchange of intelligence information was restored. However, it remains unclear whether then-US President Joe Biden was fully informed about the temporary pause.
Israeli military, commenting on the situation, emphasized that strategic cooperation with the US was not interrupted, avoiding discussion of specific episodes of restrictions and highlighting the resilience of the overall alliance.
Military context
Since October 2023, Israel has been conducting a large-scale military campaign against Hamas following attacks on its territory. On January 15, 2025, after lengthy negotiations, a ceasefire agreement was reached, but it proved short-lived, and hostilities resumed.
On August 8, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the intention to establish full control over the Gaza Strip, which became an additional factor of tension in relations with international partners.
Diplomatic pressure
Alongside military actions, intensive diplomatic efforts were underway. On September 29 at the White House, Israel was presented with a 20-point American plan to end the war. Israel agreed to it, but Hamas put forward its own conditions, prolonging the process.
Later, on October 13 in Sharm el-Sheikh, with the participation of leaders from the US, Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, another ceasefire agreement was signed — further confirmation of how multi-layered this conflict has become.
The pause as a signal
The story of the temporary suspension of video streaming and restriction of intelligence data showed that even with close alliance, the boundaries of what is permissible are constantly being reassessed. For the US, it is a tool of pressure and control, for Israel — a reminder of dependence on external support in a protracted war.
Such episodes allow for a better understanding of how military decisions, intelligence, and diplomacy intertwine in real-time — a topic consistently analyzed by NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency, documenting how allied relations are tested for strength in wartime conditions.
