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Story perspectives

NSO Group Sale to U.S. Investors Sparks Controversy

10/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

NSO Group, the Israeli spyware maker, is near a sale to American investors led by Robert Simonds, valued in tens of millions and awaiting approval from Israel’s Defense Export Control Agency.
The deal has drawn scrutiny for spyware used against journalists and dissidents.
In 2021, NSO Group hacked U.S. officials, contributing to a U.S. trade ban.
The deal ends Omri Lavie’s involvement, after Simonds’ prior bid failed.

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Story summary

NSO Group, the Israeli spyware maker, is near a sale to American investors led by Robert Simonds, valued in tens of millions and awaiting approval from Israel’s Defense Export Control Agency.
The deal has drawn scrutiny for spyware used against journalists and dissidents.
In 2021, NSO Group hacked U.S. officials, contributing to a U.S. trade ban.
The deal ends Omri Lavie’s involvement, after Simonds’ prior bid failed.