The potential strike comes in the wake of escalating tensions following two Iranian missile barrages on Israel.
New Delhi: Who could have thought that the “highly classified” documents of the US intelligence could be leaked and made public, especially at a time when the USA is going for the presidential elections, is (indirectly) involved in the Russia-Ukraine war, and the Middle East military conflict.
But the breach has happened, and it directly relates to the Middle East military conflict, as reported by the New York Times which says that “two highly classified US intelligence documents have leaked, allegedly exposing Israel’s military preparations for a potential strike on Iran. The documents, originating from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), responsible for analysing images and information collected by American spy satellites, offer insights into Israeli military exercises and operational readiness”.
The above-mentioned documents, dated October 15 and 16, were circulated on Telegram by accounts largely associated with pro-Iran sentiments. They provide detailed analyses of satellite images showing Israel’s military exercises, which appear to be in preparation for a retaliatory strike on Iran. The potential strike comes in the wake of escalating tensions following two Iranian missile barrages on April 13, as part of Operation True Promise and October 1, as part of Operation True Promise 2 in direct attacks on Israel.
One document, labelled “Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran”, summarises Israeli military exercises carried out recently to practice a potential military operation against Iran.
According to the documents, these preparations include air-to-air refuelling operations, search-and-rescue missions, and the repositioning of missile systems in anticipation of potential Iranian strikes. The second document reveals Israeli efforts to move munitions and other military assets to strategic locations.
Although the documents describe Israeli military movements and exercises, they do not provide satellite images themselves. The US intelligence gathered from these images suggests that Israel is gearing up for a strike, but it is unclear whether these documents reveal the full scope of Israel’s plans for Iran.
This development has ruffled a lot of feathers in Washington as the leaks have reportedly prompted immediate concern within the US government. US officials are divided over the severity of the leak, with some downplaying its impact given that the documents do not reveal new American capabilities. Others, however, are alarmed by the exposure of Israel’s sensitive military plans, particularly at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Amid all this, the exact source of the leak remains unknown.