The FBI has launched an investigation into a major security breach involving the leak of classified U.S. intelligence about Israel’s military preparation for a strike against Iran. The leak, which revealed sensitive spying operations and military planning, has raised alarms within the U.S. intelligence community, CNN reported.
The incident, considered one of the most significant security breaches in years, exposed U.S. monitoring of Israel’s strategic plans and could potentially derail Israel’s response to Iran’s recent ballistic missile attack. The leak underscores the delicate balance between the two allies and the high-stakes nature of the ongoing tensions in the region.
A pro-Iranian Telegram channel, *Middle East Spectator*, first published the leaked documents, claiming to have received them from a U.S. intelligence source. The documents reportedly include visual intelligence from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), revealing that the Israeli Air Force recently conducted military exercises involving reconnaissance aircraft and fighter jets in preparation for a possible strike on Iran.
In response to the leak, first reported by Axios, the FBI confirmed it is investigating the matter and is coordinating efforts with the Department of Defense and other intelligence agencies. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we have no further comment at this time,” an FBI spokesperson said on Tuesday.
The Biden administration expressed serious concern to the Israeli government over the security breach. Officials assured Israel that steps are being taken to prevent future leaks of sensitive intelligence. White House spokesperson John Kirby emphasized that President Biden is “deeply concerned” about the breach and closely monitoring the progress of the investigation. So far, there is no evidence suggesting that additional classified materials have been compromised.
The leak comes at a particularly sensitive time, as tensions between Israel and Iran remain high. Israeli officials have been ramping up their military preparedness following Iran’s recent missile strikes, which have heightened fears of escalation in the region.
This breach adds to the complexity of U.S.-Israel cooperation at a time when the two countries are also managing other geopolitical challenges, including efforts to broker a diplomatic solution to the war in Lebanon. As the investigation unfolds, the leak serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by intelligence breaches, even among close allies.
Assistance from artificial intelligence was used in creating this report.
