Originally Posted by Rabs

Maybe in a second wave but stealth aircarft and cruise missles will make up the majority of the strike package IMO.

Then you need some edumacation son. Israel does not have stealth aircraft nor cruise missiles. While you are entitled to your opinion, it is not a very informed one.

And if they could do it with cruise and stealth the first time around, why would there need to be a "second wave"? It's not that big an objective. If there was a second package, they'd prolly want some stand-off and stealth as well since the AD system will have time to gear up.

Sexy doesn't always mean smart.

Then you need some edumacation son. Israel does not have stealth aircraft nor cruise missiles. While you are entitled to your opinion, it is not a very informed one.

I knew that "kiddo." I lost track of the thread and was referring to US capabilities.

I believe we know how the US would handle a strike. I'm wondering what options the isrelis have with no US millitary support.

I'm wondering what options the isrelis have with no US millitary support.

Nothing.

They have no friendly skys to fly over and with syria sideing with Iran now. I just dont see how they would get to Iran regardless if they have the aircraft to carry out the strike.

So you think the Israelis will just sit by and let Iran go nuclear?

So you think the Israelis will just sit by and let Iran go nuclear?

Not by choice no, Like you I am a big supporter of Israel but if no one lets them use there air space to attack Iran (including Iraq) theres just no way they can do it.

I just dont see the new Iraqi government or any middle eastern country letting the Iraelis use there air space for the fear of proveking another Iran-Iraq war. or fuel civil un-rest in their own countries for helping Israel out.

The only nations I could imagine allowing Israel to fly over would be Jordan because of its strong pro-west population and government and Iraq due to American pressure. Even then without US refueling capabilities the jets would never even have a shot of makeing it to there targets and back.

So in short, the Israelis need American help, without it theres really not much they can do.


Map of middle east

Well, how did they go about it in the Iraq strike?

Well, how did they go about it in the Iraq strike?

I was afraid you would ask that and I really dont know.

On that occasion (June 7, 1981) the Israeli AF strike force flew 680 miles across Jordan and Saudi Arabia and bombed the reactor.
While it is supposed that the strike force evaded detection by flying so close to each other on the long journey that, instead of appearing as a squadron of small fighters on radar, they appeared as a single large jet, and not much attention was given to them, Rodger W.Claire's book, Raid on the Sun, lists this suggestion as a myth.
I'm actually looking through my huge book on the Mossad right now, to see if there's something worth adding here.

Update: Book says it was eight F-16's escorted by six interceptors F-15. Just like today with Iran, Israel got intelligence according to which Iraq was not trying to pursue nuclear ambitions for civilian purposes but for military purposes. In 1979 a Mossad commando had entered the French building in Southern France where the reactor was being built and they sabotaged the core of the reactor. Unfortunately the deal between Chirac and Saddam went on.
In this occasion Jordan and Saudi Arabia (which were flown across for more than one hour) had not given Israel any permission and were caught by surprise. After the attack was successfully delivered the Arab world didn't protest too loud, which IMO meant they were not too happy about Saddam's plans.
Hope I didn't hijack the thread, WD.

[On tactical feasibility of Israeli strike on Iran see this (quote: "Israel could launch an airstrike or use its Jericho Missiles - 750 miles range. Or they can decide to use their three Dolphin submarines, or 5 now that they're purchased 2 more from Germany, able to launch nuclear missiles. The threat could consist of the use of bombs, such as the Gbuy-43/B with its 21 thousand lb, "micronukes" with a limited explosive power, though devastating"). It's in Italian but you can Babelfish the rest maybe. Feel free to ask me about what you don't understand].

Thank you IG very informative.