Full Breakdown
Spain's Pegasus Spyware Investigation Closed Again Due to Lack of Cooperation from Israel
1/23/2026, 1:25:30 AM
Overview of the Investigation
The investigation into the alleged use of Pegasus spyware to hack the phones of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and several ministers has been shelved once more. Spanish judge José Luis Calama cited a "lack of collaboration from Israeli authorities" as the primary reason for this decision. This marks the second time the case has been closed since its inception in 2021, with judicial authorities indicating insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims of cyberattacks against Spanish officials.
Background of the Case
The inquiry was initiated after the Spanish government revealed in 2022 that spyware developed by the NSO Group had been utilized to surveil members of the cabinet, leading to a political crisis that resulted in the resignation of Spain's spy chief. The targets of this alleged espionage included prominent figures such as Prime Minister Sanchez. NSO Group has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting that its software is intended for crime-fighting and national security purposes, and that it cannot oversee how governments utilize the technology.
Key Developments
Judge Calama had previously closed the investigation in 2023, also citing insufficient cooperation from Israeli authorities. The investigation was reopened in 2024 after Spanish officials received information from a French investigation into Pegasus, which had targeted journalists, lawyers, and public officials in France. However, Calama determined that this new information was not useful for advancing the investigation, as the nature of the data accessed through Pegasus is difficult to ascertain due to the software's design, which does not leave traces beyond the data extracted.
Criticism of the Investigation's Closure
Critics have raised concerns regarding the repeated shelving of the investigation, arguing that it reflects a broader issue of accountability in the use of surveillance technologies. The lack of cooperation from Israeli authorities has been particularly contentious, as it raises questions about the transparency and oversight of the NSO Group's operations. The Spanish government has faced pressure to ensure that such espionage activities are thoroughly investigated and that accountability is established.
Official Statements
In response to the investigation's closure, officials from the NSO Group reiterated their position that the software is intended for legitimate law enforcement purposes. The Israeli government has maintained that its role is limited to issuing export licenses for the software, distancing itself from the operational aspects of its use.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the investigation has been closed, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the specific entities involved in the alleged espionage. Spanish officials have not disclosed whether domestic or foreign actors were responsible for the cyberattacks, leaving a gap in understanding the broader implications of the case.
Verbatim Quotes
- “José Luis Calama, the judge in charge of the investigation, assured that the Israeli authorities don't provide sufficient information to determine whether the alleged cyberattacks were carried out using the Pegasus software.” — José Luis Calama, Judge
The ongoing challenges in investigating the use of Pegasus spyware highlight the complexities surrounding cybersecurity, international cooperation, and governmental oversight in the digital age.
