FBI Investigate Intelligence Document Leaks Israel's Counterattack Plan Against Iran

Israeli Army/ILLUSTRATION PHOTO via Wikimedia Commons/IDF

JAKARTA - The FBI is investigating public disclosure of the leak of highly classified category intelligence documents describing Israel's preparations for a retaliatory attack on Iran.

"The FBI is investigating the alleged leak of classified documents and in collaboration with our partners in the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community," the FBI said.

White House spokesman John Kirby previously said the incident was not yet known as a hacking or intelligence leak. US President Joe Biden observed the investigation closely.

"We're not really sure how these documents got into the public domain," Kirby told reporters.

The president is very concerned about the leak of classified information into the public sphere. This should not happen, and it should not be acceptable if that happens," he said.

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

Documents began circulating last week on the Telegram messaging app.

Israel has planned a response to a ballistic missile attack carried out by Iran on October 1, Tehran's second direct attack on Israel in six months.

Israel stepped up its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, days after the assassination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.