Pegasus scandal shows risk of Israel's spy-tech diplomacy: experts
Israeli experts recalled the country's long history of using the export of cutting edge weaponry to foster diplomatic relations, but warned that burgeoning sales of advanced surveillance systems could cause more harm than benefit.
"Israeli weapons exports helped the country forge all kind of ties," said Yoel Guzansky from the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv.
He cited quiet ties in the Middle East, Africa and Asia built through the weapons trade.
"Sometimes the damage is bigger than the benefit," Guzansky told AFP. "Israel might be seen as someone who helps autocratic regimes suppress civil society."
Jonathan Klinger, an Israeli cyber law attorney and privacy specialist, agreed, charging that "Israel is an incubator for oppressive technology".
But he said "a big problem" is that NSO's reported exports do not amount to a crime under Israeli law.
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210719-pegasus-scandal-shows-risk-of-israel-s-spy-tech-diplomacy-experts