Highly classified American intelligence documents on Israel’s plans for retaliation against Iran, after it launched a barrage of missiles at Israeli cities on October 1st, were leaked over the weekend. An investigation is now underway.
The documents, marked top secret, circulated online after being posted on Telegram by an account—reportedly based in Tehran—called “Middle East Spectator.” They are attributed to the American National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and National Security Agency, and state that Israel was still moving military assets in preparation for a military strike on Iran.
House Speaker Mike Johnson described the unauthorised release as “very concerning,” adding that “there’s some serious allegations being made there.”
The Washington Post notes that it is not yet clear whether this was an “intentional leak by a member of the U.S. intelligence community or obtained by another method, like a hack.” Either eventuality has serious implications for top American authorities.
There are also concerns surrounding the possibility of further documents being leaked with more sensitive information.
Shortly after the documents were leaked, Iranian proxy Hezbollah made an attempt on Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s life by drone striking his house. Netanyahu described the attack as “a grave mistake,” adding:
This will not deter me or the State of Israel from continuing our just war against our enemies in order to secure our future. … Anyone who tries to harm Israel’s citizens will pay a heavy price.
The Pentagon says it is looking into the leak reports.
