NY Police Cancel Direct Deal for Israeli Spy Tech Amid Leftist Pressure
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
New York City police have canceled a direct $750,000 contract for an Israeli surveillance system from Cognyte following criticism from progressive allies of Mayor Eric Adams. The department will now seek bids through a competitive process, though Cognyte can still apply. The deal faced opposition from City Council members and the Legal Aid Society, who raised concerns about mass surveillance and human rights. Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, a self-described "proud Zionist," remains in her role despite calls for her dismissal.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- NY Police canceled a $750,000 direct deal for Israeli surveillance tech from Cognyte.
- Mayor Eric Adams faced pressure from progressive allies over the contract.
- The police department will now use a competitive bidding process for the system.
- Critics warned the technology enables mass surveillance and human rights abuses.
- Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, a "proud Zionist," remains despite calls for her firing.
New York City's police department has withdrawn from a planned no-bid contract to purchase an advanced cellular surveillance system from the Israeli intelligence firm Cognyte for $750,000. The decision followed sharp criticism directed at Mayor Eric Adams from his progressive left allies and a meeting with Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
"The procurement did not meet the requirements for a single-source purchase, so we are moving to an open and competitive bidding process," the police department stated. Cognyte will still be eligible to bid on the system, intended for a three-year contract, in the new tender alongside other companies. Initial discussions for the system began in December 2025 during the tenure of former Mayor Eric Adams.
The planned deal placed Adams in a difficult political position. The mayor, a supporter of the BDS movement, has previously been a vocal critic of security cooperation between New York and Israel. Despite his past statements, ties with Israel have not been severed since he took office.
Commissioner Tisch, who identifies as a "proud Zionist" and was retained by Adams, has also been a focal point of controversy, facing repeated calls for her dismissal from pro-Palestinian activists.
Cognyte's FalcoNet system uses artificial intelligence to locate devices by impersonating a cellular antenna. The police department indicated the equipment is meant for tracking suspects and missing persons, requiring a judicial warrant for investigative use. However, City Council members Tiffany Cabán and Julie Won, associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), expressed outrage over the deal. Cabán urged an end to "mass surveillance of New Yorkers," stating, "It is time for the city to cut ties with companies that profit from human rights abuses." The Legal Aid Society also warned that the technology "turns New Yorkers' phones into tracking devices."
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