FBI says it is investigating unauthorized disclosure of documents on possible plans to attack Israel

WASHINGTON– The FBI said Tuesday it was investigating the unauthorized release of classified documents about Israel’s preparation for a possible retaliatory attack on Iran.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Monday that the Biden administration was still unsure whether the classified information had been leaked or hacked, but that officials had no indication At this point, “additional documents like this would find their way into the public domain.” “.

At the Pentagon, Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had spoken with his counterpart, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, about the document release. But Ryder, who is a press secretary, said he could not provide any details or say when the conversation took place.

The Associated Press reported Saturday that U.S. authorities were investigating the release. The FBI first confirmed the investigation Tuesday and said in a statement that it was “working closely with our partners at the Department of Defense and the intelligence community.” He made no further comments.

The documents are attributed to the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency and note that Israel continues to move military assets to conduct a military strike in response to Iran’s October 1 ballistic missile attack. Five Eyes,” an intelligence alliance made up of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, New Zealand and Australia.

Marked as top secret, the documents first appeared online Friday on the messaging app Telegram and quickly spread across Telegram channels popular with Iranians.

Ryder said he could not provide any details about the investigation, including who within the department is working with the FBI, which is leading the investigation.

“The investigation is in its early days, so it is important to let it take its course,” he said, adding that the ministry takes the protection of sensitive information very seriously and will continue to do it.