Spain Sacks Intelligence Head over Israel's “Pegasus” Malware

Media reports quoted Spanish government sources as saying that the head of intelligence, Paz Esteban, had been sacked, amid accusations of spying on Catalan separatists.

Last Thursday, Esteban admitted that the phones of at least 18 Catalan separatists, including regional president Pere Aragones, were being monitored using the Israeli Pegasus program.

Reuters, a news agency, reported that the case threatens to undermine the stability of the minority government led by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.

The Spanish government relies on the support of Catalan separatists in Parliament, but they are beginning to question the possibility of their continued support for the government.

Following the news of the espionage, Catalan separatists raised demands, including the dismissal of Esteban and Defense Minister Margarita Robles.