The FBI is investigating the leak of two highly classified intelligence documents detailing Israel’s preparations for a retaliatory strike on Iran, the bureau confirmed on Tuesday.
“The FBI is investigating the alleged leak of classified documents and working closely with our partners in the Department of Defense and Intelligence Community,” the FBI said in a statement.
White House spokesman John Kirby addressed the issue on Monday, saying it was still unclear whether the disclosure was the result of a hack or an internal leak. He added that Biden is closely monitoring the investigation.
“We’re not exactly sure how these documents found their way into the public domain,” Kirby told reporters. “The president remains deeply concerned about any leakage of classified information into the public domain. That is not supposed to happen, and it’s unacceptable when it does.”
The leaked documents reportedly originate from the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and include U.S. interpretations of Israeli military preparations based on satellite imagery dated October 15-16. These documents surfaced on the Telegram messaging app last week.
Israel’s preparations are in response to a ballistic missile attack by Iran on October 1, Tehran’s second direct assault on Israel within six months. Israel has since escalated military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, shortly after Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed.
U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed on Sunday that an investigation into the leak is ongoing.
