Several points have emerged above that deserve commentary.

First, espionage should be treated in similar fashion regardless of the beneficiary of it for two reasons. It is by definition an action against the interests of the United States in any case, and merits punishment. On a practical note, differentiating between the beneficiaries merely encourages more “false flag” operations by foreign intelligence services. Every foreign intelligence service would try to make itself out to potential spies as recruiting for Israel. Treating espionage for Israel as a lesser matter would make it easier to recruit such agents.

Second, yes, Israel is a democracy, but so is France. In either case we still need to look out for our own interests first, and the other’s second. It’s not hard to imagine instances where our interests conflict. In such situations pursuing a policy that advances their interests over ours, or puts our citizens at risk over theirs, betrays the American people.