Two highly classified US intelligence documents have leaked, allegedly exposing Israel‘s military preparations for a potential strike on Iran, the New York Times reported. 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 two 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 an Iranian missile barrage on October 1, itself a retaliation for an earlier Israeli attack.

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One of the documents is titled “Israel: Air Force Continues Preparations for Strike on Iran” and outlines recent Israeli exercises that seem to rehearse a potential military operation against Iran. These preparations reportedly 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.

US Response 

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. 

President Joe Biden, when asked during a recent trip to Germany whether he was aware of Israel’s planned strike on Iran and its targets, responded with a brief “Yes and yes,” but declined to elaborate. 

While the exact source of the leak remains unknown, early indications suggest that the documents may have been taken by a lower-level US government employee. A joint investigation by the Pentagon, U.S. intelligence agencies, and the FBI is underway to determine how the information was leaked and whether more documents could follow.

Israel on Saturday released footage showing Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar moving his belongings to a tunnel in Gaza hours before the October 7 attack last year that triggered the ongoing war.

The footage was released following Sinwar’s death in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in a firefight that ended with the Hamas leader cornered and alone in a destroyed building.

The footage shows Sinwar and his wife and children moving belongings, including a television, water, pillows and mattresses, into the tunnel that Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said was located under the family home in Khan Younis.

🎥DECLASSIFIED FOOTAGE:

Sinwar hours before the October 7 massacre: taking down his TV into his tunnel, hiding underneath his civilians, and preparing to watch his terrorists murder, kindap and rape. pic.twitter.com/wTAF9xAPLU

— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) October 19, 2024

During a press briefing, Hagari showed photos of the underground compound, which had toilets, showers and a kitchen. Food, cash and documents were also found there.

Hamas, meanwhile, said Sinwar died heroically engaging in battle, calling Hagar’s remarks “blatant lies”.

Drone footage from earlier this week showed Sinwar critically wounded in his last moments, throwing an object at the drone. Autopsy found that Sinwar was killed by a gunshot to the head, and also found one of his fingers was cut off.

During a year of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Israel Defence Forces had often closed in on Sinwar, but the latter managed to escape. Israel had identified Sinwar’s final hiding after the military found “his DNA sample on a tissue with which he blew his nose,” said Hagari.

While the October 7 attack in Israel killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 235 people being taken hostage, the Israel operation in Gaza over a year has resulted in over 40,000 deaths.

The death of Sinwar, who had just months ago replaced slain predecessor Ismail Haniyeh, raises questions on who will lead the Hamas amid a war that has also drawn in Lebanon. Israeli attacks on Lebanon killed at least 2,350 people over the last year, according to the Lebanese health ministry, with more than 1.2 million people displaced. Hezbollah attacks have killed 50 Israeli soldiers and civilians, according to Israel.

In East Delhi’s Jagatpuri, a woman attempted suicide after a fight with her boyfriend, Arjun. She filmed the act and sent it to him, prompting Arjun to rush her to the hospital. However, he succumbed to a cardiac arrest upon seeing her bleeding. Doctors saved the woman.