Israel delays Iran strike after US intelligence leak
Israel has decided to delay its planned retaliatory strike on Iran in response to Iran's air raid on 1st October, due to the disclosure of classified documents in the United States concerning Israeli military preparations, the British newspaper 'The Times' reports.
"The release of the American documents delayed the operation, as there was a need to adjust certain strategic and tactical elements (...) A retaliatory attack is still planned, but it has taken longer than initially expected," stated a source familiar with the matter from intelligence circles, quoted by the newspaper.
Israel is concerned that Iran, having obtained the documents, may anticipate certain elements of the attack. This has forced the Israeli armed forces to develop a new action plan, reports 'The Times'.
Disclosure of classified documents
Last Friday, a channel associated with Iran on Telegram posted documents described as a secret report from American intelligence services on Israel's preparations for an attack. The report, based in part on satellite intelligence data, suggests that Israel is preparing to use ballistic missiles launched from aircraft, but did not specify the location or timing of the potential attack.
On 1st October, Iran launched about 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. Most of them were intercepted; however, one person was killed. The military later reported that some of the missiles hit military bases but did not cause significant damage. Iran claimed that the attack was in retaliation for Israel's killing of leaders of Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah.
Israel has promised a firm response. U.S. President Joe Biden, seeking to avoid escalating tensions in the Middle East, warned Israel against attacking Iranian nuclear facilities and the mining industry. According to media reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reassuring Americans by declaring that Israel would only target military sites.
