Leaked US intelligence documents reveal Israel’s preparations for attack on Iran: NYT

NEW YORK: Two top-secret U.S. intelligence documents detailing Israel’s preparations to attack Iran were released Saturday, The New York Times reported.

The documents from the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA), which is responsible for analyzing images and information collected by US spy satellites, shed light on Israeli military exercises and operational readiness.

The documents, classified top secret, were published online on Telegram, an instant messaging (IM) service, and were subsequently widely reported in American print and electronic media.

“We are reviewing these reports,” a senior US defense official told ABC News when the American broadcaster asked about the alleged intelligence documents.

The documents contain a detailed analysis of satellite images showing Israeli military exercises in apparent preparation for an attack on Iran.

One of the documents is titled “Israel: Air Force continues to prepare for attack on Iran” and describes recent Israeli exercises that appear to be a rehearsal of a possible military operation against Iran. These preparations reportedly include aerial refueling operations, search and rescue missions, and the repositioning of missile systems in anticipation of possible Iranian attacks.

The second document reveals Israeli efforts to move ammunition and other military assets to strategic locations.

Although the documents describe Israeli military movements and exercises, they do not contain satellite images. US intelligence obtained from these images suggests that Israel is preparing for an attack. However, it is unclear whether these documents reveal the full extent of Israel’s plans for Iran.

The leaks have reportedly caused immediate concern among the US government. U.S. officials are divided over the severity of the leak, with some downplaying the impact because the documents do not reveal new U.S. capabilities. But others are alarmed by the revelation of sensitive Israeli military plans, particularly at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.

When President Joe Biden was asked during a recent trip to Germany whether he was aware of Israel’s planned attack on Iran and its targets, he answered curtly “yes” and “yes” but declined to provide further details.

Although the exact source of the leak is unknown, early indications suggest that the documents may have been stolen by a low-level US government employee. A joint investigation by the Pentagon, US intelligence agencies and the FBI is underway to determine how the information was leaked and whether additional documents may follow.