Leaked US documents reveal Israel’s plans to attack Iran

• US interpretations of Israeli Air Force and Navy planning
• It comes from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency
• Authenticity has been privately acknowledged
• US investigating the leak

The United States is investigating the leak of a pair of highly classified intelligence documents that describe Israel’s preparations for a retaliatory strike against Iran, House Speaker Mike Johnson said yesterday.

The documents appear to have been prepared by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, describing US interpretations of Israeli Air Force and Navy planning based on satellite imagery from 15-16 October

They started circulating last week on the Telegram messaging app. Israel has been planning a response to a ballistic missile barrage carried out by Iran on October 1, its second direct attack on Israel in six months. Israel has intensified its offensive in Gaza and Lebanon, days after the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Asked about the leak of the documents during an interview with CNN, Johnson, the top lawmaker in the U.S. House of Representatives, said an “investigation (is) underway and I’ll get a briefing on that in a couple of hours”.

“… We’re following it closely,” Johnson added.

The National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The Pentagon said it was investigating the leak reports.

The New York Times reported that officials acknowledged privately that the documents were authentic, but that they likely represent only a fraction of the information the US has about its close ally’s planning.

The first document is titled: “Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran, Conducts Second Major Force Occupation Exercise.” Describes activities that include the handling of ballistic and air-to-surface missiles.

The second is titled: “Israel: Defense forces continue key munitions preparations, covert UAV activity almost certain for strike on Iran.” Drones are also known as drones.

US President Joe Biden, answering questions from reporters, said last week that he understood well when and how Israel would attack Iran. But he also said he sees an opportunity to end the two enemies’ back-and-forth attacks.