Israel weighed multiple strikes on Iran's nuclear sites Since October 2024

Israeli officials have repeatedly explored the possibility of military strikes on Iran’s nuclear programme since October 2024.

Thus, the Israeli government is said to have given serious consideration to such an attack, despite strong internal debate on the matter, Caliber.Az reports per Israeli media.

High-ranking Israeli figures, including officials in the Israeli Air Force, reportedly expressed confidence in their ability to carry out the operation, citing Israel's previous strikes against Iran in April 2024 and air raids in Yemen.

The consideration of such a strike came after the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched a significant missile barrage at Israel on October 1, 2024. Despite the growing tensions, Israeli authorities were reluctant to attack without the backing of the United States and the protection of American military support against potential Iranian retaliation.

However, President Joe Biden’s administration opposed the operation. As a result, Israeli leaders chose to wait until the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, hoping to secure his approval for military action against Iran.

Reports indicate that some Israeli officials have expressed concern over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emphasis on the direct involvement of the United States in any military operation. During an April meeting, Trump reportedly informed Netanyahu that Washington would not support an Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, instead favouring negotiations with Tehran to curb its nuclear ambitions.

As a result, Netanyahu pivoted towards covert operations, focusing on sabotage missions targeting specific Iranian sites and the assassination of key nuclear scientists.

By Aghakazim Guliyev