The White House has expressed deep concern over the unauthorized release of classified documents outlining Israel’s potential plans for a retaliatory strike against Iran. President Joe Biden himself has voiced his worry about the situation, highlighting the seriousness of the leak. The administration is currently investigating the origin of the leak, exploring whether it stemmed from a hack or a deliberate leak.
The leaked documents, classified as top secret, originated from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency. They provide insights into Israel’s military preparations in response to Iran’s ballistic missile attack on October 1st, 2023. These details were initially shared within the ‘Five Eyes’ intelligence alliance, a group comprising the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, they were subsequently posted on the Telegram messaging app.
Two key documents were leaked. The first, titled “Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran and Conducts a Second Large-Force Employment Exercise,” focuses on activities related to handling ballistic and air-to-surface missiles. The second, titled “Israel: Defense Forces Continue Key Munitions Preparations and Covert UAV Activity Almost Certainly for a Strike on Iran,” outlines preparations involving unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones.
While President Biden has acknowledged his understanding of Israel’s potential attack plans, he has also expressed hope for de-escalation and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The investigation into the leak is ongoing, and the White House has stated that there is no current indication of additional documents being made public. However, the Pentagon is actively investigating the breach to prevent further leaks and ensure the security of sensitive information.