The United States is investigating the leak of two highly classified intelligence documents detailing Israel’s plans for a retaliatory strike against Iran, according to House Speaker Mike Johnson.
The documents, believed to be prepared by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), interpret Israeli Air Force and Navy strategies based on satellite imagery collected between October 15 and 16. They began circulating on the Telegram messaging app last week.
This investigation comes as Israel plans to respond to a ballistic missile barrage from Iran on October 1, marking the second direct attack on Israel in six months. In response, Israel has escalated its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon following the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.
During an interview with CNN, Johnson confirmed that an investigation is underway.
Neither the NGA nor the Office of the Director of National Intelligence responded immediately to requests for comment. The Pentagon has indicated that it is also examining the reports of the leak.
According to the New York Times, officials have privately acknowledged the authenticity of the documents but noted that they likely represent only a fraction of the information the US possesses regarding its ally’s military planning.
The first document is titled, “Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran and Conducts a Second Large-Force Employment Exercise,” detailing activities related to missile handling. The second is titled, “Israel: Defense Forces Continue Key Munitions Preparations and Covert UAV Activity Almost Certainly for a Strike on Iran,” referring to unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
US President Joe Biden, when asked about the situation, stated last week that he had a clear understanding of Israel’s timeline and methods for attacking Iran but also expressed hope for an opportunity to de-escalate the ongoing conflict between the two nations.