Israel alters strike plan on Iran after US leak disclosure
Israel has decided to delay the planned retaliatory strike on Iran, initially intended as a response to Iran's air raid on October 1st. This decision follows the disclosure of classified documents in the United States concerning Israeli military preparations, as reported by the British newspaper The Times.
"The release of the American documents delayed the operation, as there was a need to adjust certain strategic and tactical elements," said a source familiar with the matter from intelligence circles, as quoted by the newspaper. "A retaliatory attack is still planned, but it has taken longer than initially expected."
Israel is concerned that Iran, having access to the obtained documents, might anticipate certain elements of the attack. This situation has compelled 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 published documents described as a secret report from American intelligence services on Israel's attack preparations. The report, based partly on satellite intelligence data, indicates that Israel is preparing to use ballistic missiles launched from aircraft but does not specify the location or timing of the potential attack.
On October 1st, Iran launched about 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. Most of them were intercepted; however, one person was killed. The military later reported that some missiles struck military bases, but they did not cause significant damage. Iran claimed 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, aiming to prevent escalating tensions in the Middle East, warned Israel against targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and the mining industry. According to media reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reassured Americans by stating that Israel would only target military objectives.
