Israel Plans Strike on Iranian Nuclear Plant
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James Joyner | Sunday, March 13, 2005 |
Revealed: Israel plans strike on Iranian nuclear plant (Times of London)
ISRAEL has drawn up secret plans for a combined air and ground attack on targets in Iran if diplomacy fails to halt the Iranian nuclear programme. The inner cabinet of Ariel Sharon, the Israeli prime minister, gave âinitial authorisationâ for an attack at a private meeting last month on his ranch in the Negev desert.
Israeli forces have used a mock-up of Iranâs Natanz uranium enrichment plant in the desert to practise destroying it. Their tactics include raids by Israelâs elite Shaldag (Kingfisher) commando unit and airstrikes by F-15 jets from 69 Squadron, using bunker-busting bombs to penetrate underground facilities.
The plans have been discussed with American officials who are said to have indicated provisionally that they would not stand in Israelâs way if all international efforts to halt Iranian nuclear projects failed.
Lovely of the Times to reveal these plans, if true. Of course, this could also be a coordinated leak designed to lend urgency to a diplomatic settlement.
About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia.
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I'd bet leak... If I remember things right, their version of the F-15 can't make it home from Iran even with drop tanks.
Unless Jordan agreeded to flyover or Israel did it anyway, neither of which is incredibly likely.
Is Israel part of Great Britain or vice verse? I don't see any ethical issues with the (Murdoch-owned) Times running the story. Whether it's true is another matter.
Well, presumably, taking out Iran's plant would be in Britain's interest, too.
When did Murdoch buy the Times of London?
" Well, presumably, taking out Iranâs plant would be in Britainâs interest, too."
Is there any evidence that Iran is building nuclear weapons ?
The US goverment so far has come with no evidence at all.
At least in the UK after the Iraq War unless tony can can come up with _*some evidence*_ then a US attack on iran will lead to blair becoming the x-prime minister.
And a good thing thing too. Blair has lead the most dishonest UK government in my lifetime. There has never been a PM who's lied with such regularity as Blair.On domestic and foreign policy blairs government has consistently misled the country.
GAME ON - Let's Rock!
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Guess we can now call them "formerly secret plans."
HOnestly, if Israel doesn't do it, I can easily see somebody else doing it, and it wouldn't be a bad idea, if the logistics can be worked out.
The smartest thing Israel ever did was bomb Iraq's plant back in the 80's. But I understand that there are a lot of factors that make plans to bomb a plant difficult.
McGehee, that would be since 1981.
James, I think you may presume too much. Hell, it may not even be in Israel's interest, though Israel should be free to make its own mistakes on its own dime. Should that day ever come.
The US military no doubt has plans drawn up for attacks on various countries/sites. It is a form of preparedness and military exercises.
I just kind of hope that we have plans to attack France sometime soon. ;D
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