Ambassador’s Security Clearance Suspended

W A S H I N G T O N, Sept. 23 -- The State Department has suspended the security clearance of the U.S. ambassador to Israel while it investigates suspicions that he violated security standards.

A State Department spokesperson said Ambassador Martin S. Indyk, 49, is cooperating fully with the investigation, “there is no indication of espionage” and “there has been no indication that any intelligence information has been compromised.

“This is a question of security procedures that have not been followed,” the spokesperson said. “As this matter deals with privacy matter issues, I cannot comment further.”

Unable to Perform Duties

The suspension comes as the United States tries to help broker a peace deal between the Israelis and the Palestinians, who have delayed, but still are considering, to unilaterally declare statehood.

As ambassador to Israel, Indyk has been active in the peace process.

The suspension means Indyk must be escorted inside the State Department building, will be denied access to classified information, and is forbidden from attending meetings where classified information is discussed. Aspects of the peace negotiations are classified.

But the State Department spokesperson said, “This has absolutely no implications for the Mideast peace process or U.S.-Israeli bilateral relations.”

The Israeli prime minister’s office spokesman, Gadi Baltiansky,and foreign ministry spokeswoman, Yafa Ben-Ari, both refused tocomment on the matter.

Action Taken Thursday

According to the State Department spokesperson, Indyk’s security clearance was suspended on Thursday pending the outcome of an investigation into his alleged violations of security standards.

“Under the regulations, the Department of State is obligated to suspend the ambassador’s security clearance,” the spokesperson said. “The department will conclude this investigation as quickly as possible.”

A federal law enforcement official, speaking on condition ofanonymity, also confirmed that the diplomat’s security clearancehad been lifted and that an inquiry was under way.