Classified Documents About Israel's Potential Attack On Iran Leaked: Report
US officials say that they are investigating the leak of classified documents which assess Israel’s plan to attack Iran, reported AP news agency. The leaked documents were attributed to the US Geospatial Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency.
According to Axios news site, the release of the documents came as Israel completes its weeks of preparation for a promised attack on Iran, after Tehran launched a barrage of missiles at Tel Aviv on October 1st.
The outlet said the documents detail measures taken in recent days at several Israeli airbases, including transfer of advanced munitions in preparation for a forthcoming Iran attack. The documents also contain reports on detailed preparations by Israel’s drone units for the attack.
The two documents, dated October 15 and 16, were circulated on Telegram by accounts largely associated with pro-Iran sentiments. It provide detailed analyses of satellite images showing Israel’s military exercises, which appear to be in preparation for a retaliatory strike on Iran.
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One of the documents is titled as “Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran” and outlines recent Israeli exercises that seem to rehearse a potential military operation against Iran. Reportedly, the preparations include air-to-air refuelling operations, search-and-rescue missions, and the repositioning of missile systems in anticipation of potential Iranian strikes. The second document reveals Israeli efforts to move munitions and other military assets to strategic locations.
The US intelligence gathered from these images suggests that Israel is gearing up for a strike, but it is unclear whether these documents reveal the full scope of Israel’s plans for Iran.
As per media report, US officials are divided over the severity of the leak, with some downplaying its impact given that the documents do not reveal new American capabilities. Others, however, are alarmed by the exposure of Israel’s sensitive military plans, particularly at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
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President Joe Biden, when asked during a recent trip to Germany whether he was aware of Israel’s planned strike on Iran and its targets, responded with a brief “Yes and yes,” but declined to elaborate.
While the exact source of the leak remains unknown, early indications suggest that the documents may have been taken by a lower-level US government employee. A joint investigation by the Pentagon, U.S. intelligence agencies, and the FBI is underway to determine how the information was leaked and whether more documents could follow.
Iran attacked Israel as a response to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukur, and chief Hassan Nasrallah. Tehran claimed that 90 percent of its missiles hit the target in Israel.
