United States Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel visiting Israel this week dismissed last week’s Newsweek report accusing Israel of aggressively spying on the United States. Hagel’s reservation further undermines the report’s credibility already hurt by experts’ questions and the reporter’s dubious history.

The Times of Israel reported on Hagel’s response when he was questioned about the Newsweek report:

“I have heard of that report,” Hagel said of the two-part Newsweek article, which claimed that Israel conducts “aggressive espionage” against US targets. “I’m not aware of the facts that would substantiate the report,” he added, according to Reuters.

According to the Times, Hagel and his Israeli counterpart, Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon planned to discuss “the ongoing war in Syria, the Iranian nuclear talks, and the stalled peace process with the Palestinians.” Ya’alon thanked Hagel for“the steadfast US support for vital programs to Israel’s security such as the Iron Dome system.”