According to a statement from the Israeli Defense Ministry, ”Gantz noted that the State of Israel approves the export of cyber products exclusively to governmental entities, for lawful use and only for the purpose of preventing and investigating crime and counter terrorism.”

On a visit to Paris this week, Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz told his French counterpart Florence Parly in Paris on Wednesday that the NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware did not hack French President Emmanuel Macron’s phone.

The spyware is developed by the Israeli cybersecurity firm. Reports alleged that the technology was used to track political activists and journalists across the globe.

Earlier this week, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett assured President Macron that Israel takes seriously allegations that a spyware developed by the Israeli company was used to target the French leader.

According to a statement from the Israeli Defense Ministry, ”Gantz noted that the State of Israel approves the export of cyber products exclusively to governmental entities, for lawful use and only for the purpose of preventing and investigating crime and counter terrorism.”

Gantz also informed Parly that officials visited NSO’s office today and that Israel is investigating the allegations thoroughly.”

During his visitn, the Israeli minister also met with Bernard Émié, the head of the General Directorate for External Security (DGSE), Frence’s intelligence agency, and with leaders of the French Jewish community leaders.