An analysis by both Israeli and foreign military experts is casting doubt on the countries ability to take out Iranian nuclear facilities. Their 1981
raid on the Osirak Reactor complex in Iraq, was a single target. By contrast, the Iranian nuclear facilities are located all across the country.
Tensions between Iran and Israel have reached the boiling point over Iran’s nuclear program. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has indicated that
Israel will take measures to defend itself. These and other comments have fueled speculation that Israel is considering an Osirak like attack.
story.news.yahoo.com<
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JERUSALEM - Israel would not be able to destroy Iran's nuclear installations with a single air strike as it did in Iraq in 1981 because they are
scattered or hidden and intelligence is weak, Israeli and foreign analysts say.
Israeli leaders have implied they might use force against Iran if international diplomatic efforts or the threat of sanctions fail to stop Iran from
producing nuclear weapons.
Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon said this month Israel is "taking measures to defend itself" — a comment that raised concern Israel is
considering a pre-emptive strike along the lines of its 1981 bombing of an unfinished Iraqi nuclear reactor at Osirak near Baghdad.
Speculation has also been fueled by recent Israeli weapons acquisitions, including bunker-buster bombs and long-range fighter-bombers.
Israel's national security adviser, Giora Eiland, was quoted Monday by the Maariv daily as saying Iran will reach the "point of no return" in its
nuclear weapons program by November rather than next year as Israeli military officials said earlier.
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Recent arms purchases by the government have also raised eyebrows. The February deal of 102 F-16I’s, the first of which are being delivered with
built in long range fuel tanks, and the more recent purchase of smart bombs. About 500 of the smart bombs are the bunker buster type able to penetrate
6 feet of reinforced concrete. Exactly the type of structure that contains most reactors. Iran has also stoked the fire by testing a improved range
ballistic missile last week. In addition its Vice President Reza Aghazadeh, has stated that Iran has started converting uranium into the gas form
needed for enrichment. This is one of the steps towards making a nuclear bomb.
The problem facing Israel in attacking Iran is multi faceted. From the military standpoint several experts have pointed tot he lack of intelligence
makes targeting difficult. The facilities are spread out, have defense in depth and may be mirrored elsewhere in the country. The political element is
also daunting. A unprovoked unilateral attack would spark outrage among the Arab nation and could result in collective attacks against Israel and the
United States. Diplomatic action may be the best choice. Sanctions may have little or no effect given the high price of oil and the current tight
market. The Israelis are calling for the UN Security Council to take action on Iran. The Israeli Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom said at the UN last
week "The time has come to move the Iranian case to the Security Council in order to put an end to this nightmare," .
Related News Links:
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Related AboveTopSecret.com Discussion Threads:
US Debates Military Strikes on 'Nuclear Iran'
UK gives Iran ultimatum to freeze nukes program
NEWS: Iran Develops New Missile To Counter Israel
[edit on 28-9-2004 by FredT]
[edit on 28-9-2004 by FredT]