Israel's low-key response to the nuclear
assessment
Blix resigned as the head of the UN weapons inspection team in December 23, and went to Sweden as the chairman of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission, a scientific research institution. A few days ago, the research report entitled "Weapons of Terror" written by the Committee assessed the current situation of weapons of mass destruction in the world and the potential threats faced by the international community.
In terms of global nuclear weapons, the report believes that there are currently more than 27, nuclear weapons in the world, and about 12, have been activated and deployed. Most of these nuclear weapons are owned by the United States and Russia. Blix pointed out in a press conference on this report that Israel has 2 nuclear weapons. In response to this statement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry only responded according to the usual practice, saying that Israel's long-standing policy has not changed, that is, Israel will not become the first country in the Middle East to introduce nuclear weapons.
A "trinity" nuclear force has been built
So, how did Israel's nuclear force develop? In 1962, Israel's nuclear reactor entered a critical state, began a chain reaction, and produced a large amount of uranium used to make nuclear warheads. By the end of 1968, Israel could produce four to five nuclear warheads a year, and from then on, it was on the road to full-scale production of nuclear weapons. In the Middle East War in 1973, Israel was threatened by Egypt and Syria. Mrs Meir, the Israeli Prime Minister, ordered that the Israeli short-range missiles be equipped with nuclear warheads. However, under the pressure of the international community and the Israeli army's later victory, Israel's nuclear missiles did not come in handy. After the war, Israel's nuclear strike plan "Samson Plan" was exposed by the media.
after decades of research and production accumulation, Israel now has a "trinity" nuclear strike capability, and its nuclear capability should not be underestimated.
In terms of space-based nuclear forces, Israel has many types of aircraft capable of carrying nuclear bombs, including F-4 Ghost fighter, A-4 Eagle attack aircraft, F-15 Eagle fighter and F-16 Falcon fighter. Combat squadrons and bases that may undertake nuclear combat missions include the 111th, 15th and 16th squadrons deployed at Nevadim Air Force Base, the 14th and 253rd squadrons at Ramon Base in the Negev Desert, the 19th, 11th and 117th squadrons at Ramat-David Base in northern Israel, and the 11st, 15th and 144th squadrons at Hazerim Air Force Base.
In terms of land-based nuclear forces, Jarrico series missiles owned by Israel are its main strategic strike force. The Jarrico -1 missile has a range of 48 km to 65 km and can reach Damascus, Oman and Cairo. The Jarrico -2 missile has a range of 1,8 kilometers. The British "Jane's Defense Weekly" once revealed that there is a missile base in the mountainous area southeast of Tel Aviv, and 5 "Jarrico -2" missiles are deployed in this base. In addition, about 5 "Jarrico -1" missiles are also deployed near the base.
At present, sea-based nuclear forces are the focus of Israel's development. In the mid-199s, Israel ordered three Dolphin-class diesel-powered submarines with long-range attack capability from Germany. Israel has weaponized these three submarines. It is reported that Israel's nuclear warhead has been refitted to adapt to the Harpoon missile provided by the United States, and a guidance system capable of cruising along the coast has been installed on its missile. Israel has a coastline of 15 miles in the Mediterranean. It uses its three submarines in this way: two are always on duty at sea, one will be active in the Red Sea or Persian Gulf, and the other will be active in the Mediterranean; The third ship is on standby in the home port. In this way, at least one submarine can stay alert in the water and ensure that Israel can take retaliatory measures when it is attacked.
In addition, it is reported that Israel has developed some non-strategic nuclear weapons, such as nuclear artillery shells and nuclear mines. These unknown numbers of nuclear weapons may be stored in the Elaben nuclear facility west of the Sea of Galilee.
The United States has adopted a conniving attitude towards Israel
Although Israel's possession of nuclear weapons has become an open secret, the Israeli government has implemented a strict policy of "nuclear ambiguity", that is, it does not recognize or deny its possession of nuclear weapons, and at the same time it does not accept the verification of the international community. The United States has also turned a blind eye to Israel's possession of nuclear weapons. In order to prevent the United States from objecting to the U.S. government's actions, U.S. intelligence agencies usually delete Israel from the list of countries that have confirmed that they are developing weapons of mass destruction in their reports to Congress. The Clinton administration even banned the sale to third countries of high-definition photos of Israel taken by American spy satellites. The connivance of the United States to Israel makes it unnecessary for Israel to bear the political and economic consequences brought about by recognizing its nuclear capabilities, but it can gain benefits from it-the power of deterrence.
Some analysts believe that, considering that Israel had a precedent of bombing Iraq's nuclear facilities by itself in 198s, Blix disclosed information about Israel's nuclear weapons at this time, in order to warn the international community that the nuclear weapons possessed by Israel may also become an important choice to attack Iran's nuclear facilities. (Source: Global Times)