Israel Gives Explanation That Clears U.S. Official

JERUSALEM —  Israel has informed the United States that an intercepted conversation between Israeli intelligence agents that led the FBI to suspect a senior U.S. official was passing sensitive information to Israel was an innocent reference to above-board channels of cooperation, according to officials from both countries.

The account marks the first formal effort by Israel to explain its position in a case that, officials said, involves the Israel desk officer of the CIA. Israel says the intercepted conversation included a suggestion that the officer be asked to transmit an Israeli request.

A U.S. official said the Clinton administration has accepted the Israeli explanation as plausible. The FBI, however, has not yet told the White House that its investigation is closed, sources said.