### US Officials Investigate Leak of Classified Israeli Military Plans

US government officials are currently probing the leak of two classified intelligence documents that outline Israel's retaliatory plans against Iran. Despite assurances that no further breaches are anticipated, the Biden administration expressed significant concern over the unauthorized disclosures, according to John Kirby, the national security communications adviser, during a press briefing at the White House on Monday.

Kirby emphasized the gravity of leaked classified information and detailed that discussions have been held between US and Israeli officials regarding the situation; however, he refrained from sharing specifics of those conversations. "The president is deeply troubled by any leakage of classified information into the public domain. This is not supposed to happen, and it’s unacceptable when it does," he stated. Kirby added that President Biden would closely monitor the investigation and look forward to receiving recommendations on how to prevent such occurrences in the future.

On the same day, a defense department official confirmed to the Guardian that an extensive inquiry is underway to uncover how the two top-secret documents, from the US Geospatial-Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, ended up on Telegram four days prior. The documents pertain to Israel's military strategy for a potential strike on Iran, a move stemming from Tehran’s massive missile assault on Israel on October 1, which was the largest of its kind and linked to the escalation of tensions following the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel in October 2023.

The leaked documents are titled "Israel: air force continues preparations for strike on Iran and conducts a second large-force employment exercise" and "Israel: defense forces continue key munitions preparations and covert UAV activity almost certainly for a strike on Iran." Kirby noted that it remains unclear whether the leak was intentional or the result of a cyber hack. However, he reassured that there is currently no expectation of additional documents leaking.

Following Kirby's briefing, House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican, described the leaks as "very concerning" and disclosed that he was anticipating a detailed update on the investigation later on Sunday. "These are serious allegations, and we are closely watching the situation," Johnson commented on CNN's State of the Union.

The leak investigation coincides with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's trip to the Middle East, his eleventh visit since the Hamas attacks. Blinken's agenda includes addressing the leak issue and attempting to rekindle ceasefire negotiations, which have faltered since Israel's recent attack that killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Kirby remarked on the uncertain success of Blinken’s mission but reassured that the US would continue to engage in diplomatic efforts to seek a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.