US Did Not Share Mossad Agent Names with Iran
- The United States clarified that it did not disclose Mossad agent names to Iran.
- Sharing such sensitive information would have been impractical and self-defeating.
- The incident did not lead to any compromise in intelligence operations.
An unfounded rumor emerged online this week, alleging that U.S. officials had disclosed the identities of Israeli Mossad agents to Iran, particularly those involved in the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh on July 31. The claim, initially propagated by Kuwait’s al-Jarida newspaper, has been met with skepticism from intelligence experts who emphasize the severe implications such a leak would entail. Senior officials from the CIA and NSA, the primary U.S. intelligence agencies, would never permit the exposure of Mossad agents without facing significant consequences. The potential fallout from such a breach could lead to the resignation of high-ranking officials and a halt in human intelligence sharing not only with Israel but also with other key allies, including the UK, Australia, and France. The integrity of human intelligence operations is paramount, as leaks can endanger lives and compromise national security. The persistence of the rumor raises questions about its origins and the motivations behind its spread. Critics argue that misinformation on social media often lacks credible sources, leading to unfounded accusations. Prominent figures, including Senator Ted Cruz, have condemned the notion that the Biden administration would betray Israel in such a manner, labeling it as an "epic betrayal" if true. Commentary editor John Podhoretz also criticized the allegations, asserting that there is no credible evidence to support such claims. He urged caution against making baseless accusations that could undermine trust among allies, highlighting the importance of responsible discourse in matters of national security.