Israel has long viewed nuclear weapons from the Middle East as a direct existential threat. In an attempt to prevent any adversary from developing nuclear weapons, it has launched violent attacks on nuclear facilities in Iran, Syria, and Iraq. The fact that Israel’s nuclear capabilities are still unofficially acknowledged in spite of this sparks curiosity and debate worldwide.
What Is the Begin Doctrine?
The Begin Doctrine refers to Israel’s preemptive targeting of nuclear facilities in neighbouring countries in an attempt to halt nuclear proliferation. When Operation Opera destroyed Iraq’s Osirak reactor in 1981, this doctrine—named after former Prime Minister Menachem Begin—was first implemented. In 2007, it was reinforced by Operation Orchard, which targeted Syria’s secret nuclear facility. Stuxnet and other cyberattacks on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure came next.
“We will not allow our enemies to develop nuclear weapons.”
— Menachem Begin, 1981
| Year | Operation Name | Target Country | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Operation Opera | Iraq | Destroyed Osirak nuclear reactor |
| 2007 | Operation Orchard | Syria | Destroyed secret nuclear facility |
| 2010+ | Stuxnet & Strikes | Iran | Cyber and air strikes on facilities |
Israel’s Secret Nuclear Program: Origins and Growth
From its founding in 1948, Israel prioritized nuclear capability for survival. Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion famously said:
“Einstein, Oppenheimer, and Teller, all Jewish Americans, built America’s bomb; Israeli scientists can do the same for Israel.”
With the establishment of the Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) in 1952, Israel began its covert nuclear journey despite lacking infrastructure and resources.
The Franco-Israeli Nuclear Partnership
In 1957, Israel forged a critical, secret partnership with France to build the Dimona reactor—a cornerstone of its nuclear program. France provided a 24 MW reactor and plutonium reprocessing designs, vital for weapons-grade material production.
This alliance was influenced by France’s strategic interests after the 1956 Suez Crisis, where Israel provided crucial intelligence support to French operations in North Africa.
Espionage and Uranium Smuggling
When France halted nuclear support in 1958, Israel intensified espionage efforts, leveraging Jewish scientists worldwide to access classified nuclear data.
A major uranium supply came from the mysterious disappearance of enriched uranium at the NUMEC plant in Pennsylvania during the 1960s. Declassified US intelligence reports later linked this material diversion to Israel’s program.
“Evidence indicates fissile material was illegally procured by Israel from the US by 1965.”
— Henry Kissinger, 1969 memo
Covert Procurement Networks
Israeli front companies such as the Materials & Equipment Export Corp. clandestinely imported uranium and dual-use technology from Europe and North America. These companies masked nuclear material shipments under civilian trade to avoid international scrutiny.
Israel’s Nuclear Arsenal Today
Israel maintains a policy of nuclear ambiguity—neither confirming nor denying its nuclear weapons. According to the SIPRI Yearbook 2025, Israel possesses approximately 90 nuclear warheads, maintaining strategic deterrence without formal acknowledgment.
Summary of Key Milestones
| Milestone | Year | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Establishment of IAEC | 1952 | Formation of Israel Atomic Energy Commission |
| France-Israel Nuclear Deal | 1957 | Agreement to build Dimona reactor |
| Operation Opera | 1981 | Airstrike on Iraq’s nuclear reactor |
| Operation Orchard | 2007 | Strike on Syria’s secret nuclear site |
| Stuxnet Cyberattack on Iran | 2010 onwards | Targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure |
Sources and Further Reading
- Washington Post, “How Israel deceived the United States about its nuclear weapons program”
- Jerusalem Post, “Striking Osirak: The Begin Doctrine’s enduring relevance”
- National Nuclear Threat Initiative, “Israel Nuclear Overview”
- Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, “Did Israel steal bomb‑grade uranium from the United States?”
- National Security Archive, “Duplicity and Self-Deception: Israel, the United States, and the Dimona Inspections”
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