Israel Reportedly Blocked Ukraine From Buying Pegasus Software

MAR 23 2022·Updated JAN 23 2023

Story

Image credit: Getty Images [via The Guardian]

The Facts

The Israeli govt. previously rejected efforts by Ukraine and Estonia to acquire the spyware software Pegasus from the NSO Group, it was reported on Wed., because they feared it would be used to target Russia.
nytimes
Pegasus, when successfully deployed, is a hacking tool that remotely extracts information such as photos, video recordings, contacts, and messages from a target's phone. It can also remotely activate cameras or microphones.
nytimes
While the NSO Group is a private company, Israel's govt. has sought to align the distribution of its products and services with the country's diplomatic and national security objectives.
wapo
As such, foreign govts. who wish to purchase Pegasus must first receive a licence from Israel's Defense Exports Controls Agency.
wapo
Pegasus has come under scrutiny in recent months after it was alleged that it was frequently purchased by authoritarian regimes to target journalists, rival politicians and human rights campaigners.
Amnesty International UK
The UAE, for instance, was accused of targetting the wife of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi on behalf of Saudi Arabia in the months before he was murdered in 2018.
The Washington Post

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Israel has refused to send weapons to Ukraine and hasn't applied sanctions on Russia. By also not granting the sale of Pegasus to Ukraine and Estonia, it's clear that Israel values its relationship with the Kremlin more than human rights.

guardian

Narrative B

Pegasus is a critical tool for Israel's foreign policy and Israel, which has long maintained close diplomatic ties with Russia, doesn't want to upset Moscow on critical security issues such as the ability to mediate in Ukraine.

nytimes