Classified US Documents on Israeli Strike Plans Leaked to Pro-Iran Media

A serious breach of classified U.S. intelligence has exposed Israeli military preparations for a potential large-scale strike on Iran. The leaked documents, compiled by top U.S. agencies like the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the NSA, detail Israel’s planned counterattack strategies, including the specific aircraft and munitions involved. These documents surfaced on the Middle East Spectator, a Tehran-aligned media outlet, raising concerns about the security of sensitive U.S.-Israeli intelligence sharing.

The intelligence documents were marked for limited distribution within the "Five Eyes" alliance comprised of the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand but U.S. officials confirmed that the leak came from within American systems. A former intelligence official revealed that such intelligence could be accessed by "thousands" of U.S. government employees, questioning the controls over access to highly classified information.

This is not the first time Israel has been subjected to damaging intelligence leaks under the Biden-Harris administration. While the documents did not disclose specific targets within Iran, the breach has shaken Israel’s confidence in U.S. intelligence safeguards. Former Pentagon advisor Michael Rubin warned that the incident could erode the critical trust Israel places in its closest ally. According to Rubin, “This is not about tipping off Iran but about the U.S. losing valuable intelligence from Israel due to trust issues.”

The timing of the leak is also significant, as it follows a series of incidents where classified information unfavorable to Israel has found its way into public view. Most notably, communications between Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, suggesting U.S. pressure on Israel to increase aid to Gaza, were leaked just days prior. Such incidents have fueled speculation that elements within the administration might be deliberately undermining Israeli security efforts, possibly to align with a more diplomatic approach toward Iran.

The U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is currently investigating how these sensitive documents, dated mid-October, were leaked. The Pentagon has declined to comment on the ongoing investigation. Senator Roger Wicker, the ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, expressed grave concern, stating that this leak jeopardizes the safety of Israel, a key U.S. ally. “Whoever committed this outrageous act is putting our ally at risk and must be held accountable,” Wicker emphasized.

The pro-Iranian Middle East Spectator, which published the documents, claims they were originally posted on a Telegram channel frequented by Iranian sympathizers. The possibility that the leaker is connected to the U.S. State Department, which holds access to such intelligence, has also been raised, though the department has yet to comment on these accusations.

The breach is a stark reminder of the delicate balance the U.S. must maintain between its diplomatic engagements in the Middle East and its commitment to Israel’s security. Leaks of this magnitude not only expose sensitive military plans but also risk eroding the deep trust that has long underpinned U.S.-Israeli intelligence cooperation. In an increasingly volatile region, maintaining close ties with Israel is more important than ever, and both countries must now work swiftly to rebuild the integrity of their strategic alliance.

Israel’s security has always been a cornerstone of U.S. Middle East policy, and any breach in that trust harms not only the Jewish state but also American interests. It’s time for both nations to reaffirm their commitments to each other, ensuring that their cooperation remains strong in the face of regional threats.

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