Leaked classified documents reveal US surveillance of Israeli plans for Iran attack: Reports

CAIRO – 20 October 2024: Recently, a breach of highly sensitive intelligence files held by the United States, posted on Telegram without authorization, has unveiled the extent of US monitoring of Israeli preparations for a potential strike against Iran following Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel on 1 October.

As reported by Axios and CNN, one of the leaked documents shows data compiled by the National Security Agency, disclosing Israeli Air Force drills involving air-to-surface missiles.

Another document, purportedly compiled by the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, details Israeli strategies for relocating weaponry. The documents appeared on an account named "Middle East Spectator."

The channel denied any connection to the original leaker, saying in a statement that the documents are considered part of the public domain now as they are floating around elsewhere on Telegram.

While a US official expressed to Axios deep concern over the leak, they emphasized that it will not alter Israel's operational strategy vis-a-vis Iran.

US authorities have verified the authenticity of the leaked materials and have extended apologies to Israel for the breach, as reported by Israel's public broadcaster, Kan News.

An investigation is currently underway to ascertain whether the leak was intentional on the part of a US intelligence operative or the result of a cyber intrusion, and to determine the potential compromise of other sensitive intelligence, according to an official quoted by the Associated Press.

As part of this probe, efforts are being made to identify individuals with access to the leaked documents prior to their dissemination, the official added.

The leaked documents were shareable within the intelligence alliance known as the "Five Eyes," comprising the US, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia.

On 1 October, Iran launched around 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel, constituting Tehran’s most substantial direct assault on its long-standing adversary and the second such attack since the Gaza war started on 7 October last year.

Tehran's offensive was a retaliatory measure after Israel's assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July as well as Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Abbas Nilforoushan, a commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, in Lebanon in September.