The publication by a Tehran-based Telegram channel of two classified documents, supposedly produced by U.S. intelligence, have caused an eruption of worry in Washington and Israel. The two documents appear to show observations by U.S. intelligence of preparations at three Israeli air bases for strikes on Iran in reprisal for Iran’s Oct. 1 missile strike on Israel.
“An informed source within the U.S. intelligence community has shared with us an extremely sensitive ‘top secret’ U.S. intelligence document from the NGIA [National Geospatial Intelligence Agency], dated October 15-16, detailing Israeli preparations for an extensive strike inside Iran,” reported the Middle East Spectator Telegram channel on Oct. 17 (the time stamp on the posting is 5:59 PM ET which was after midnight in Tehran). The posting includes the two documents. “According to the report, the U.S. has observed the Israeli Air Force handling ALBMs (air-launched ballistic missiles) like ‘Golden Horizon’ (at least 16) and ‘ROCKS’ (at least 40) at Hatserim airbase since October 8. If all of these are used, it would be a major attack.
“From October 15 to October 16 the Israeli Air Force also handled several ASMs (air-to-surface missiles) at Ramot David and Ramon airbases, indicating an imminent attack,” the posting goes on. “Additionally, the Israeli Air Force carried out an LFE [Large Force Exercise] exercise on October 15 to practice air-to-air refueling and combat search and rescue operations with a large number of aircraft, including at least three KC-707 tankers, one G-550 Gulfstream AWACs aircraft, and possibly fighter jets.”