Israel’s Nuclear Arsenal: addressing Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions

In a move that has sent ripples across the Middle East and the international community,Israeli aircraft reportedly conducted strikes against targets within Iran,with the stated objective of impeding or halting Iran’s nuclear program. For nearly two decades, Israel has accused Iran of pursuing atomic weapons, a claim Tehran denies, while Israel itself maintains a policy of ambiguity regarding its own nuclear capabilities.

The Shadowy World of Israel’s Nuclear Program

Estimates suggest that Israel possesses between ninety and several hundred nuclear weapons, though the nation neither confirms nor denies these figures. Michal Smetana, Director of the Peace Research Center (PRCP), notes that these estimates are “very gross” due to Israel’s official policy of non-acknowledgment.

Did You Know? Israel is not a signatory to the Nuclear Weapons Agreement but is a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency, engaging in forums related to civil nuclear energy.

The Dimona Factor

The cornerstone of Israel’s atomic research is the Dimona facility, located in the Negev desert [[1]]. In the 1950s, then-Prime Minister David Ben Gurion made the strategic decision to pursue atomic energy, laying the groundwork for what would become a highly secretive and closely guarded operation.

Shimon peres, who later served as Foreign Minister, Prime Minister, and President, played a pivotal role in supporting the nascent nuclear program.

Unveiling the Mystery: Mordechai Vanunu and the Dimona Factory

Dimona was shrouded in secrecy,with employees undergoing rigorous screening and transported to the complex via dedicated buses. the world gained its first detailed glimpse into the “mysterious” factory through Mordechai Vanunu, a technician who worked at Dimona for a decade. In 1986, Vanunu traveled to Sydney, Australia, with photographs, drawings, and records, which he then shared with the British newspaper *The Sunday Times*.

British physicists and nuclear scientists who reviewed Vanunu’s testimony deemed it credible, confirming the development and production of atomic warheads at the Dimona complex.

Subsequently, Israeli Secret Service Mossad operatives kidnapped Vanunu from Europe and returned him to Israel, where he was sentenced to 18 years in prison for treason. Upon his release in 2004, Vanunu faced significant restrictions, including prohibitions on contacting foreigners, approaching embassies in Tel Aviv, and limitations on his movement between Israeli cities.

Israel’s Nuclear Triad

Israel is believed to possess a “nuclear triad,” meaning it has the capability to launch nuclear weapons from aircraft, land-based missiles, and submarines. This capability significantly enhances its deterrence.

Pro Tip: the concept of nuclear deterrence relies on the ability to inflict unacceptable damage on an adversary, discouraging them from initiating an attack.

Historical Context: Nuclear Alert During the Gulf War

While Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity, historian Avi shlaim suggests that the country may have placed its atomic weapons on high alert during the 1991 Gulf War.As iraqi leader Saddam Hussein bombarded Israeli cities with Scud missiles, Israel reportedly threatened to retaliate with nuclear weapons if Iraq used biological or chemical weapons.