The United States is investigating a concerning leak of classified intelligence documents detailing Israel's preparations for a retaliatory strike against Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson described the leak as "very concerning" during an interview on CNN's State of the Union, highlighting the gravity of the breach and its potential impact on U.S.-Israel relations.
The leaked documents, revealed on the Telegram messaging app last week by an account called "Middle East Spectator," are believed to have originated from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. These top-secret files describe U.S. interpretations of Israeli military planning involving satellite imagery from mid-October. The Pentagon has acknowledged the leak and is currently probing the matter, with House Speaker Johnson indicating he would receive a briefing on the situation.
The documents reportedly provide detailed insights into Israeli Air Force and Navy movements in preparation for strikes on Iranian targets. The plans are said to have been compiled shortly after Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on October 1, marking the second such attack on the country in six months. President Joe Biden, while discussing the ongoing tensions, indicated he had a good understanding of Israel's intended response but also expressed optimism for an opportunity to bring an end to the cycle of retaliation.
The leaks come at a particularly sensitive time for U.S.-Israeli relations, as both nations have been working closely to address security challenges in the region. The documents, marked as highly classified and meant for viewing only by the U.S. and its "Five Eyes" allies, have sparked concerns within the U.S. government. Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense for the Middle East, called the breach a "serious issue," adding that it could erode trust between the U.S. and Israel. "Trust is a key component in the relationship, and depending on how this was leaked, that trust could be eroded," Mulroy said.
The National Security Council referred inquiries to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Pentagon, both of which declined to comment on the authenticity of the documents. CNN and Axios were among the first to report on the leak, with Axios noting that the documents include details on Israeli military preparations, such as moving munitions and conducting air-to-surface missile exercises. A senior Israeli official stated that the Israeli defense establishment is aware of the leak and is taking it seriously.
The potential repercussions of the leaked documents could be significant, with concerns that Iran might attempt to counter Israel's plans now that they have been disclosed. The alleged leak also mentioned U.S. monitoring of Israeli air force exercises, using intelligence planes and likely fighter jets, in preparation for the strike on Iran. It even referenced Israeli drone unit preparations, suggesting close and detailed U.S. surveillance of Israel's military activities.
In response to the escalating tensions, Israel has been targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon and preparing for attacks on sites linked to Hezbollah's financial operations. The Israeli military published maps of likely targets and warned Lebanese civilians to evacuate areas near Hezbollah-affiliated facilities. Avichay Adraee, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, posted a warning on social media urging residents to leave such areas for their safety.
Further complicating matters, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced Sunday that he had directed his ministry to initiate legal proceedings against French President Emmanuel Macron after Paris banned Israeli firms from participating in an upcoming military trade show. This move underscores the growing diplomatic strain amid Israel's confrontation with Iran and Hezbollah.
The United Nations also weighed in on the crisis, with the U.N. Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, condemning continued civilian casualties resulting from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 87 people were killed during airstrikes in Beit Lahiya on Saturday. The Israeli military, however, dismissed the casualty numbers as "exaggerated," citing discrepancies between the reported figures and their own assessments.
Adding to the high-stakes nature of the conflict, Israeli Colonel Sivan Bloch denied that the recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was simply a chance encounter, emphasizing that the successful operation was a result of professional military efforts. Col. Bloch recounted how the unit tracked Sinwar's movement in Rafah, eventually finding him after spotting fresh footprints and eliminating him and his guards during a gunfight.
