Ex-CIA chief warns MI6 would suffer most if Israel severs intelligence ties over Labour's stance
From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026 · last updated 3 October 2026.
Ralph Goff, a former CIA station chief with three decades in American foreign intelligence, has warned that Israel could cut intelligence-sharing with Britain if diplomatic relations deteriorate further. Goff warned that Israel holds "stronger" capabilities than MI6, particularly on Iran and cyber intelligence, meaning Britain stands to lose far more than Mossad from any break. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Israel had already handed Britain intelligence about a suspected Iranian-sponsored terror plot, timing the disclosure to coincide with Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband's announcement of a ban on trade with illegal Israeli settlements. Andy Burnham told the UN General Assembly that Britain stands with Israel against Iranian threats, but Goff's warning signals the relationship is under severe strain.
Netanyahu claimed Israel warned British authorities about the Iranian plot shortly before Miliband's West Bank trade ban was announced.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has also raised the alarm over strained relations between Jerusalem and Westminster.
Goff warned that on Iran specifically, Israel's cyber capabilities give it a decisive edge over MI6 — leaving Britain the more exposed partner.