US intelligence leaks reveal Israeli plans as Biden confirms impending retaliation against Iran

Recent leaks from US intelligence sources have shed light on Israel’s extensive military preparations against Iran, coinciding with US President Joe Biden’s comments suggesting he has a “good understanding” of Israel’s planned response to Iranian missile attacks .

In his remarks after his visit to Berlin, Biden stressed that he was aware of the timing and strategy Israel is considering amid escalating tensions in the region. Although he did not provide details, Biden responded “yes and yes” to the reporter’s question about whether he had a “good understanding” of when and how Israel would retaliate against Iran.

The leaked intelligence documents provide important insights into Israel’s military maneuvers. They describe large-scale exercises by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) from October 15 to 16, simulating possible attacks on Iranian targets. These exercises have included the use of long-range air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBMs) ​​and covert drone operations, with significant movements of military assets reported since early October.

According to a document, at least 16 Golden Horizon ALBMs and 40 ISO2 Rocks ALBMs were deployed, with training missions involving refueling and air support conducted at several airfields, including Hatzor and Ramat David. The exercises underscore Israel’s preparation for a multi-pronged military response and underscore the seriousness with which it perceives the threat from Iran.

Further assessments by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency indicate a heightened state of alert within the Israel Defense Forces. While weapons handling capabilities are still assessed as medium to low, there are significant increases in missile defense readiness and covert drone flights. Ground operations related to Iranian proxies have been limited, suggesting that Israel may be pursuing a defensive strategy while preparing for possible offensive actions.

Biden’s admission that he is aware of Israel’s military plans underscores the complicated connections between US intelligence assessments and Israel’s strategic decisions. As tensions continue to rise, the impact of these military preparations and Biden’s statements could shape the ongoing discourse about a possible conflict in the Middle East.