NSO

Two firms employed the same sophisticated hacking technique – known as a “zero-click” – shows that phones are more vulnerable to powerful digital spying tools than the industry will admit.

Despite confirming its purchase, the bureau claims Pegasus was never used in any FBI investigation.

Police had come under fire for allegedly using spyware like NSO's Pegasus against Israeli citizens without authority.

NSO Group has been under a cloud of controversy following the release of the Pegasus Project

During the last decade, Netanyahu -- as prime minister -- leveraged Israel's technological advantages to fundamentally change Israel's relationship with numerous countries around the world.

Former PM Netanyahu hoped to gain Saudi crown prince's "commitment and gratitude" after sanctioning use of NSO's Pegasus spyware, according to the report. Netanyahu: 'Fabrication'.

Following the US decision, the Israeli government reduced by two-thirds the number of countries NSO and other cyber attack firms would be permitted to sell their technology to.

“Governments are using NSO Group’s spyware to monitor and silence human rights defenders, journalists and others who expose abuse,” said Deborah Brown, senior digital rights researcher at HRW.

Levy insisted his departure from NSO Group is unrelated to the Israel Police spyware scandal.

The Knesset's Interior Security Committee debated the NSO affair on Monday, with chairwoman Merav Ben Ari trying to strike a balance between defending the police and probing its actions.