US investigates major leak of ‘top secret’ documents detailing Israel’s military plans against Iran

The documents attributed to the US Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) and National Security Agency (NSA) — analysis images and information procured by American spy satellites — reportedly marked as top secret, were reportedly shared via the Telegram account ‘Middle East Spectator’, CNN and Axios reported. The documents were reportedly marked for the US and its ‘Five Eyes’ — Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Another US official told AP, that the documents outlining Israel’s preparations in response to a missile attack from Iran earlier this month appear to be legitimate. The Pentagon acknowledged awareness of the leaked documents but refrained from providing detailed comments.

The investigation is primarily focused on how these documents were obtained, whether through a deliberate leak by a member of the US intelligence community or hacking, and who had access to them prior to their dissemination online. The US intelligence community is treating this breach with urgency, as it could affect future military coordination between the US and Israel, AP reported.

Earlier this week, President Biden in a press conference in Germany was questioned about whether he knew when Israel planned to strike next and if he knew the targets it had. “Yes and yes,” he responded, declining to give any further comment.

Former deputy assistant secretary of defence for the Middle East and a retired CIA officer, Mick Mulroy said, “If it is true that Israeli tactical plans to respond to Iran’s attack on October 1 have been leaked, it is a serious breach.”

What do the documents say?

The two leaked documents, reportedly made by NGA and NSA, contain analyses based on satellite imagery that indicate Israel is actively repositioning military assets and conducting exercises involving air-to-surface missiles, suggesting an imminent military response against Iran. However, the report does not contain any satellite images.

The intelligence reports detail military drills, including practice air-to-air refuelling and search-and-rescue operations, conducted by Israel that appear to simulate aspects of a potential strike against Iran on Oct 15. The document indicate that drills mirrored a strike Israel used against Yemen on September 29. They also outline the repositioning of long-range missiles and other military assets in anticipation of possible Iranian retaliation.

While the documents provide insights into Israel’s military readiness, they do not disclose new capabilities or strategies that could significantly alter existing assessments of Israeli military operations. Officials have expressed varying opinions on the seriousness of the leak, with some viewing it as a minor concern while others see it as a significant breach that could affect future coordination between US and Israeli forces, as per New York Times reports.

What is happening the conflict?

After a drone targeted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea on Saturday, Israeli forces retaliated by striking Hezbollah arms facilities in southern Beirut, as reported by Reuters. Additionally, Israeli airstrikes on several homes in Beit Lahiya, a town in northern Gaza, resulted in at least 73 fatalities and numerous injuries, according to Hamas media. This escalation follows Netanyahu’s warning directed at Iran and its allies: “I say to Iran and its proxies in its axis of evil: Anyone who tries to harm Israel’s citizens will pay a heavy price.”

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