Since Iran’s missile attack on Israel on October 1, in response to the killing of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, there has been speculation about how Tel Aviv will retaliate. President Biden opposes hitting Iranian oil or nuclear facilities but has approved deploying a missile defense system and troops to Israel in anticipation of Iranian retaliation. Meanwhile, Trump and Kushner have encouraged Israel to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities, unaware of the consequences of such a move.
Israel’s 1981 attack on Iraq’s Osiraq nuclear reactor had unintended consequences, pushing Iraq’s nuclear program underground and motivating Saddam Hussein to pursue a nuclear weapon. Declassified US documents show that the strike did not eliminate Iraq’s program but fueled Iraqi determination to acquire nuclear capabilities. Similarly, recent assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists have inspired a new generation of Iranians to pursue nuclear science and support acquiring a nuclear weapon.
A recent poll in Iran shows growing public support for acquiring a nuclear weapon, fueled by attacks on Iran’s nuclear program. Israel’s continued actions will only strengthen Iran’s determination to develop nuclear capabilities, potentially pushing the program underground and accelerating towards nuclear weapon development.
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, facing various criticisms and seeking a “victory,” must consider the repercussions of his actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and potential strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. These actions may not bring victory to Israel but instead fuel resentment in the region, helping Iran and its allies rebuild quickly after any setbacks from Israeli strikes. The author emphasizes that Netanyahu’s strategies will not lead to victory and may instead strengthen Iran’s resolve in developing nuclear weapons.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com