The events of a press conference revealed a potentially controversial stance held by the delegate of Israel. The discussion focused on the potential misuse of Israeli-made cyberware in foreign countries for malicious purposes – with the central question posed to the delegate focusing on whether Israel felt any guilt for what had been done with the Pegasus Project in other countries.
The Pegasus Project is a piece of spyware developed by Israeli-based cyberarms firm, the NSO Group. This spyware is developed and licensed to governments around the world – and while the NSO Group denies any of their business emanating from private and independent parties, there has been evidence to suggest otherwise. The Pegasus Project is now infamous, due to its ability to infect devices with a “no-click” exploit, rendering it extremely potent and dangerous. This software is most notorious for its exploitation of Apple in November 2021, where Pegasus spyware had infected various Apple devices.
When faced with the question, the delegate of Israel flatly denied the usage of Israeli technology or spyware within the nation itself, as well as denying any feelings of guilt or remorse. However, when questioned further, the delegate repositioned their stance, affirmatively stating that while Israel does use their own technology, it is not for malicious or immoral purposes. Furthermore, a member of the Press pointed out that despite the delegate claiming to feel a lack of guilt for the misuse of this spyware, the government and economy of Israel directly benefit and profit off of this harmful usage. This resulted in the delegate deliberating their stance.
Hereafter, the delegate was questioned on the basis of bearing responsibility for the misuse of Israeli spyware, as well as the prerequisites required for them to sell this technology to a party. “We do bear some responsibility for the usage of our technology in foreign countries,” spoke the delegate. On the other hand, one could argue that while Israel is marketing and licensing this software, they do not hold any responsibility for how it is used after being sold. Furthermore, the delegate stated that this spyware is only sold to governments and adjacent governing bodies, and not private organizations. However, a scandal in late 2021 revealed that this spyware was utilized by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to infiltrate the phone of his ex-wife amidst legal proceedings – rendering the delegate of Israel’s claim, that they only license their cyberware to official governing bodies, untrue.
Throughout the sessions held today, draft resolutions were made, and stances shifted. Other significant interactions during the UNHRC press conference include the questioning of Vietnam in regards to a statement made by Australia regarding Vietnam’s apparent violation of UDHR guidelines, and Japan’s differing views on mass surveillance as compared to China.
