US veteran lawmaker says Israel intelligence leak counts as ‘act of treason’ – Washington Examiner
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) expressed serious concerns regarding the recent leak of classified documents detailing Israel’s plans for a retaliatory strike on Iran, labeling it an “act of treason.” The documents, dated October 15-16, were leaked to an Iranian Telegram account, prompting Mast to highlight vulnerabilities in U.S. intelligence sharing relating to its key ally, Israel. He emphasized Israel’s strategic importance to U.S. interests in the Middle East, particularly in their shared opposition to Iran. Mast noted that the leak could have significant repercussions for U.S.-Israel relations and military operations in the region, stating that Israel serves as a vital ally that supports U.S. operations against adversaries. He also mentioned potential geopolitical implications if Israel were to target Iranian oil facilities, suggesting it could impact China’s energy supply chain.
US veteran lawmaker says Israel intelligence leak counts as ‘act of treason’
Rep. Brian Mast (R-FL) warned that the United States needs to deal with its “leaky ships” on its key information related to Israel, saying the most recent leak should be considered an “act of treason.”
Top secret documents showing Israel’s plans for a retaliatory strike on Iran, dated Oct. 15 and 16, were leaked to an Iranian Telegram account Friday. Mast, a U.S. military veteran and a former volunteer for the Israel Defense Forces, explained that there are “a lot of leaks in these ships.” While the U.S. cannot determine the exact source of the leaks, it knows they exist.
When Fox News’s Harris Faulkner suggested that the leaker could be committing treason by sharing Israel’s possible plan to strike Iran, Mast agreed that she was assessing this “accurately.” Israel is considered a key ally in the Middle East to the U.S., partially due to how both countries have a common opponent in Iran.
“Literally an act of treason,” Mast said on The Faulkner Focus. “Where does that come from, and how does it affect us? Israel, as you said, I can’t add more to it. They are our greatest aircraft carrier in the region. The best place for any operations to support the United States of America in that region come from Israel, whether it’s against Iranian proxies like Hezbollah or whether it’s against any of our enemies there, and the intelligence and cross-training we need, that’s our best aircraft carrier.”
Mast explained that Israel’s plans for Iran have “great benefit” for the U.S. if it chooses to strike Iran. For example, he cited the possibility of Israel choosing to hit Iran’s oil sites, which would “put China on their heels” because Iran supplies it with oil.
The Florida congressman also addressed the 2024 presidential race and how it would affect the conflict in the Middle East. Mast cited Vice President Kamala Harris‘s statement that “she wouldn’t do anything differently” from President Joe Biden, whereas former President Donald Trump firmly backed Israel in his first term, which he has said would continue into a second term.
The leaking of Israel’s possible strike comes after Iran launched a missile barrage attack against it on Oct. 1. Iran also issued a missile attack on Israel only months earlier.
On Monday, Israeli law enforcement announced it had arrested seven citizens suspected of spying for Iran. The suspects are being held in custody, and the charges are forthcoming.
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