It is no secret that the US and Israel spy on one another and the US has even arrested and jailed some Israeli spies, Pollard for example. So, they dont’ like the US telling their secrets, so they attacked the spy ship. How hard is that to figure out?
Pollard. Now there is a name from my past. I had the unfortunate experience of having to work for the Admiral who demanded that Pollard get his security clearance back when the Admiral was in charge of NIS. Pollard clearance had been revoked for cause but the Admiral demanded it be reinstated over the advice of his council.
Merchants of Treason, page 298, as I recall mentions the Admiral’s name as one of the reasons Pollard was able to steal all the stuff he did. The Admiral (I have a few pictures with him giving me an award) was easily the worst officer for whom I have ever had the displeasure of working.
Spying goes on but there are rules of engagement and running a humint operation against an ally within the borders of that allied country is heavily frowned upon. Pollard was a scumbag who was spying strictly for money.
Just some memories of my time at DIA I thought I would share.