United States Investigate Intelligence Leaks Israel's Plan To Attack Iran

Illustration of the Israeli F-15I fighter jet. (Wikimedia Commons/IDF Spokesperson's Unit)

JAKARTA - The United States is investigating a leak of a very secret intelligence document explaining Israel's preparations for a retaliatory attack on Iran, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Sunday.

The documents appear to have been prepared by the National Geospatial Intelligence Service, which describes the US interpretation of the planned Israeli Air Force and Navy based on satellite imagery from October 15-16.

The documents began circulating last week on the Telegram messaging app, quoted from Reuters on October 20.

Israel has planned a response to a barrage of ballistic missiles carried out by Iran on October 1, its two direct attacks on Israel in six months. Israel itself has intensified its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, days after the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

When asked about the document leak during an interview with CNN, Johnson said "the investigation (is) ongoing and I will get a briefing on that in a few hours."

"We are monitoring it thoroughly," 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 (Deepartment of Defense) said it was investigating the leak report.

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported officials personally acknowledged the document was genuine, but most likely the document only represents some of the US-owned information about its close ally's plans.

The first document titled: "Israel: The Air Force Continues Preparations to Attack Iran and Perform Second Great Forces Deployment Exercise". The document describes various activities including handling ballistic and air-to-surface missiles.

The second document titled: "Israel: Defense Forces Continuing Preparations for Main Ammunition and Covert UAV Activities Almost Definitely to Attack Iran". The UAV is also known as a drone.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden, responding to questions from reporters, said last week he had a good understanding of when and how Israel would attack Iran. However, he also said he saw an opportunity to end the counterattack of the two enemies.