The United States is investigating an unauthorized release of classified documents detailing Israel’s preparations for a possible military strike against Iran, according to multiple reports according to multiple reports.
The leaked documents, attributed to the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) and the National Security Agency (NSA), outline Israel’s ongoing military maneuvers in response to Iran’s October 1 ballistic missile attack.
The documents indicate that between October 13 and 16, Israel moved military assets into position and conducted covert operations, including unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) activities and large force employment (LFE) exercises at Hatzerim Airfield in southern Israel.
The classified material was intended for sharing within the “Five Eyes” intelligence alliance, which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The documents first appeared online via a Telegram channel that claimed they were leaked by someone within the U.S. intelligence community or the Department of Defense. The information appears to have been gathered by analyzing satellite imagery.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) confirmed the investigation during an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union.
“The leak is very concerning. There’s some serious allegations being made; there’s an investigation underway, and I’ll get a briefing that in a couple of hours,” Johnson stated. “We’re following it closely.”
“The leak is very troubling. There are some serious allegations being made; there’s an investigation underway, and I’ll be briefed on it in a couple of hours,” Johnson said. “We’re following it closely.”
Anonymous U.S. officials have indicated that the documents appear to be legitimate.
The investigation aims to determine how the leak occurred – whether it was a deliberate act by someone in the intelligence community or a cyber breach – and whether additional sensitive information may have been compromised.
One of the leaked documents is titled “Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran and Conducts a Second Large-Force Employment Exercise, 15–16 October 2024.”
Another document echoes similar details about Israel’s defense forces engaging in key munitions preparations and covert UAV activities, almost certainly in preparation for a strike on Iran.
The style of one of the documents resembles material previously leaked by Jack Teixeira, an Air National Guardsman who pleaded guilty earlier this year to disseminating highly classified military documents about Russia’s war on Ukraine and other national security matters.
The Telegram channel that published the documents identifies itself as being based in Tehran and has previously shared content supportive of Iran’s “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Middle Eastern groups backed by the Iranian government.
In response to inquiries, the Pentagon acknowledged awareness of the reports but declined to provide further comments. The Israeli military has not issued a statement regarding the leaked documents.
Israel is expected to retaliate against Iran following Iran’s recent missile and drone attacks, which were in response to Israel’s elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
While Israel has not specified when it will act, its leadership has stressed that retaliation is forthcoming and will occur at a time of its choosing.
As the investigation continues, U.S. officials are working diligently to identify who had access to the leaked documents and to assess the potential impact on national security.