U.S. authorities are investigating the leak of classified documents detailing Israel's plans.
This concerns documents from two agencies related to the U.S. intelligence community. One of the documents, which is noted to have been prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, mentions that Israel is moving military equipment in anticipation of a potential strike on Iran. The second document, sourced from the National Security Agency, discusses exercises conducted by the Israeli Air Force using air-to-ground missiles. These documents are reportedly classified as "top secret." However, on Friday, they began to circulate in Telegram channels.
The leak "raises deep concerns," stated one source to CNN. The concern is not so much about the content of the published documents—there is no information regarding specific plans from Israel or the U.S.—but rather about the uncertainty surrounding how the leak occurred and whether there is a risk that other U.S. intelligence documents may be disclosed. An investigation is underway to determine whether the leak was intentional or if the documents were obtained through means such as a hacking attack.
The Pentagon has stated that they are aware of reports regarding the investigation into the leak and declined to comment further. The FBI and intelligence agencies also left media inquiries unanswered.
Israeli authorities have repeatedly stated that they will respond to the Iranian missile strike, which Tehran has referred to as a retaliation for the killings of leaders from groups recognized as terrorist organizations by the U.S., such as Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the death of a senior officer from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps due to an Israeli strike. However, the nature of this response remains unknown. Media reports, citing sources within the U.S. administration, have claimed that after consultations with Washington, Israel has decided to focus on striking Iranian military targets rather than nuclear or oil facilities. This has not been officially confirmed.