Israel Preparing To Attack Iran N-Sites, Says Report

indolink ^ | 5/9/04

[knak]

Washington, May 9 (NNN): Israel may be preparing to attack Iranian nuclear facilities within the year, according to US administration assessments reported on Israeli Army Radio on Saturday.

The report was first released by an American wire service, which said President George W. Bush and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon had discussed the issue during Sharon's visit to the White House on April 14.

The possibility of an Israeli attack on Iranian nuclear facilities came up when the two leaders were discussing a likely Israeli response to the completion of an Iranian nuclear bomb, the wire service said.

Following the meeting, Bush said it was inconceivable for the Middle East that Iran acquired nuclear weapons.

The news agency and the Israeli Army Radio quoted US and Israeli officials as saying that the attempt to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons had been discussed at various levels, as well as the effects such an attack would have on US efforts in Iraq and in the Persian Gulf.

The wire service report said: "US authorities have extensively considered the possibility that Israel will attack Iran's nuclear facilities, perhaps this year".

[Eala]

"As WaTimes reported yesterday" ping

[spetznaz]

I would be interested in the logistics for this. Would Israeli F-15 strike-eagles be able to fly from Israel, take an evasive approach, hit their targets in Iran, and get back to Israel? I doubt they would be able to do that without refueling.

However, one thing I know (and love) about Israel is that nothing is beyond them. I wasn't born yet, but the raid on Entebbe in Uganda was an impossibility ....that is until the Israeli Sayeret flew thousands of miles and rescued all the hostages but one out of the very nose of Idi Amin (and it gives me a fuzzy feeling that the country of my birth, Kenya, assisted the Israelis in terms of a fueling base).

Hence, I am not doubting the Israelis, I am just wondering about how they would manage to pull it off. Any Freepers know?

[Family Guy]

Whoever leaked this would appear to be someone who is against pre-emption. Russia just sees dollar signs when they look at Iran. They don't seem to realize any danger for themselves and they don't care what the effects are on other countries.

[F14 Pilot]

Thanks!

[Eala]

There was speculation on the logistics on this thread yesterday.

[blam]

"Hence, I am not doubting the Israelis, I am just wondering about how they would manage to pull it off. Any Freepers know?"

Just remember, it doesn't have to be done from the air.

[Rummyfan]

Even over-flying Iraq, which could be coordinated now that Saddam is gone, would they have the range to get to the target and back? I think a ground-based effort is more in order, and it would have to be done before any fissionable material is installed in the facilities. Just like when they bombed Osirak.

[travelnurse]

Israel is noted for sending out deliberate retaliation threats to its enemies. This is nothing but a deliberate leak the same as the terror enemies leak out that they will be attacking here and abroad to deter them and warn them what might happen if the arab terror groups strike the US again. This is psyche ops. between Bush and Sharon.

Israel will never institute an all out attack on any Middle East nation unless her direct survival is at stake, and when Israel does, look out, because Israel will never lose a war with any of the Arab nations.

[prophetic]

it would make me laugh very much if the Iranian's nuclear weapons should suddenly have a 'work accident' very similar to what happens to a lot of Palestinians bomb workshops. Plus no 72 virgins for the folks either!!

[ResultsNetwork]

Several weeks ago there was an article regarding the reorganization of Israelie intelligence. The article ( I don't remember the source, but it wasn't Debka) stated that Israelie operatives were being moved back from foreign posts and that the Mossad was now tasked with "over the horizon" military actions. This type of action would be right up their alley.

[rang1995]

remember entebee...re fueling etc and the new long range f-16i's