🇮🇱 Israel's Nuclear Strategy
Here is a timeline of key developments and announcements in Israel's National Nuclear Strategy over the past 50 years, presented in reverse chronological order:
1. 2022: Nuclear Weapons Modernization
Reports surfaced in 2022 that Israel continues to upgrade its nuclear capabilities, focusing on enhancing the range, precision, and survivability of its arsenal. This includes further developments in its second-strike capabilities through sea-based platforms like Dolphin-class submarines, which are believed to carry nuclear-capable cruise missiles. Israel maintains its policy of deliberate ambiguity regarding its nuclear arsenal, refusing to officially confirm or deny its existence.
- Details on Israel's nuclear capabilities【91†source】【88†source】.
2. 2007: Operation Orchard
In 2007, Israel carried out an airstrike on a suspected Syrian nuclear facility in the Deir ez-Zor region. This operation, known as Operation Orchard, aimed to prevent Syria from advancing its nuclear capabilities. This preemptive strike was part of Israel's broader strategy to prevent neighboring states from developing nuclear weapons, in line with the Begin Doctrine.
- More on Operation Orchard【89†source】.
3. 1991: Gulf War Nuclear Alert
During the 1991 Gulf War, after Iraq launched Scud missile attacks on Israel, the country reportedly went on full nuclear alert. Israel prepared its nuclear-armed aircraft and missile launchers in case of further escalation, although nuclear weapons were not used. This event demonstrated Israel's readiness to use nuclear deterrence in response to existential threats.
4. 1981: Operation Opera
On June 7, 1981, Israel launched a surprise airstrike on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor, effectively preventing Iraq from advancing its nuclear weapons program. This strike was a key implementation of the Begin Doctrine, which asserts that Israel will take all necessary measures to prevent any hostile state from acquiring nuclear weapons.
- Learn more about Operation Opera【89†source】.
5. 1967-1973: Shift from Ambiguity to Opacity
During the period from 1967 to 1973, Israel solidified its policy of nuclear opacity. This period included Israel's development of deliverable nuclear devices, although it refrained from public nuclear tests or official announcements. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Israel reportedly placed its nuclear forces on high alert, reinforcing its deterrent posture against existential threats.
- Details on Israel's nuclear policy during the 1960s and 1970s【88†source】【91†source】.
6. 1960s: Establishing Nuclear Capabilities
Israel's nuclear program began in earnest in the late 1950s and 1960s with assistance from France, which helped build the Dimona nuclear reactor. By the mid-1960s, Israel had developed reprocessing capabilities to produce weapons-grade plutonium. Despite U.S. pressure, Israel did not sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), maintaining a policy of nuclear ambiguity.
- Overview of Israel's early nuclear development【88†source】.
Israel's nuclear strategy has centered on maintaining a credible deterrent while preventing regional rivals from acquiring similar capabilities. It remains committed to the policy of ambiguity, where it neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons, which has contributed to its broader security posture in the volatile Middle East.
