Israeli Officials Outraged Over Signal Chat Leak Exposing Sensitive Intelligence
Washington, D.C. – Israeli officials are expressing deep frustration over the recent Signal chat leak involving senior Trump administration officials. The leaked messages, which contained sensitive intelligence Israel provided to the U.S. from a human intelligence source in Yemen, have raised grave national security concerns, CBS News has learned.
The messages, published by Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic, did not compromise the effectiveness of a U.S. airstrike, thanks to editorial restraint. However, they did expose a critical human intelligence source, according to a senior American intelligence official and another source familiar with Israel’s concerns. These officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the issue, confirmed the disclosure has caused significant anger within Israeli intelligence circles.
Israeli Complaints and U.S. Response
The Wall Street Journal first reported that Israeli officials had complained to their U.S. counterparts about Mike Waltz, President Trump’s national security adviser. Waltz inadvertently added Goldberg to a high-level Signal group chat, which discussed potential airstrikes on Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. These militants have repeatedly targeted Israel and disrupted shipping in the Red Sea.
CBS News contacted the National Security Council and the Israeli Embassy for comment, but as of Friday, no response had been provided.
Leaked Messages Reveal Critical Details
On March 15, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth messaged the group, which included members of the National Security Council’s principals committee—composed of Cabinet members and top U.S. officials. One of Hegseth’s messages, as reported by The Atlantic, read:
“Trigger Based” F-18 1st Strike Window Starts (Target Terrorist is @ his Known Location, so SHOULD BE ON TIME – also, Strike Drones Launch (MQ-9s).
According to intelligence officials, the term “Trigger” refers to an operation that is activated based on the confirmed presence of a target. Shortly after, U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornets from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea launched strikes, supported by MQ-9 Reaper drones from Middle Eastern bases. U.S. Central Command later confirmed precision strikes against Iran-backed Houthi targets to restore freedom of navigation.
In the chat, Hegseth emphasized that these actions aimed to reestablish deterrence, which he argued had weakened under the Biden administration.
Escalating Fallout and Political Reactions
Following the airstrikes, Waltz informed Vice President JD Vance that the targeted building had collapsed and U.S. forces had secured multiple identifications of their intended Houthi targets. One particularly sensitive message revealed that “the first target – their top missile guy – was positively identified entering his girlfriend’s building before it was destroyed.”
As scrutiny over the Signal chat leak intensified, senior Trump administration officials defended the messages, asserting that no classified information was disclosed. Waltz reiterated on X (formerly Twitter):
“No locations. No sources & methods. No WAR PLANS. Foreign partners had already been notified that strikes were imminent.”
However, sources tell CBS News that Israeli intelligence remains deeply frustrated that their shared intelligence was exposed, potentially harming future intelligence cooperation.
Uncertain Diplomatic Consequences
The long-term impact of the leak on U.S.-Israel relations remains unclear. According to CBS News sources, President Trump has privately expressed frustration over the breach and is monitoring whether the controversy will subside.
Meanwhile, National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, both members of the leaked Signal chat, testified before the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday, facing mounting questions about the security lapse.
As diplomatic and intelligence communities assess the damage, this incident underscores the high stakes involved in protecting sensitive intelligence and the risks posed by digital communication mishaps.
Gabbard told lawmakers that no classified material was shared in that Signal chat. The following day, while testifying before a House panel, she acknowledged that the conversation was “sensitive” but reaffirmed that no classified information was disclosed. “There were no sources, methods, locations, or war plans shared,” she stated.
However, multiple U.S. intelligence officials and military personnel told CBS News this week that such information is always classified. Even if it were somehow unclassified, sharing it would still violate cybersecurity and operational security protocols.
On Tuesday, CBS News published unclassified internal documents from a National Security Agency (NSA) bulletin highlighting vulnerabilities in the Signal app despite its encryption. The bulletin, distributed to NSA employees a month before Waltz created the Signal chat group, warned of security risks associated with third-party messaging applications like Signal and WhatsApp.
The NSA emphasized that these apps are permitted only for specific “unclassified accountability/recall exercises” and not for more sensitive communications. Employees were also cautioned against sharing “anything compromising over any social media or Internet-based tool or application” and advised not to “establish connections with people they do not know.”
Frequently Asked Question
What was leaked in the Signal group chat?
Reports indicate that intelligence-related discussions took place, but officials deny that classified information was shared.
Who was involved in the Signal chat?
While specific names haven’t been fully disclosed, the chat reportedly included military and intelligence personnel.
Why are Israeli officials outraged?
Officials are concerned about potential security breaches, as even unclassified discussions on unsecured platforms pose operational risks.
Is Signal considered a secure messaging app?
Signal is encrypted, but intelligence agencies, including the NSA, warn against using third-party apps for sensitive communications.
What actions are being taken in response to the leak?
Authorities are investigating the breach, and stricter security protocols for digital communications may be enforced.
Was any classified information shared in the chat?
Officials involved deny sharing classified materials, but intelligence experts argue that the type of discussion itself may have been sensitive.
How did the chat group come to public attention?
CBS News reported the incident after reviewing documents and speaking with intelligence sources.
Conclusion
The leak of intelligence-related discussions from a Signal group chat has sparked outrage among Israeli officials, raising serious concerns about cybersecurity and operational security. While those involved deny sharing classified material, intelligence experts argue that even seemingly unclassified discussions can pose security risks. The incident underscores the vulnerabilities of third-party messaging apps, even encrypted ones when used for sensitive communications. As investigations continue, authorities are likely to reinforce stricter protocols to prevent future breaches and protect national security interests.