Israel Considers Solo Strike on Fordow: What It Means for Security and Global Stability

If President Trump chooses not to attack Iran’s Fordow nuclear site, Israel still has several methods to disable this key facility. Fordow is buried deep under a mountain south of Tehran, making it tricky to destroy.

One potential approach involves the elite Israeli Air Force commandos, known as Unit 5101 or Shaldag. This unit, named after a patient bird that dives deep for its prey, has shown its effectiveness by successfully targeting an underground missile factory in Syria last September. According to former Israeli Military Intelligence Chief Amos Yadlin, that site was similar to Fordow, producing advanced ballistic missiles using Iranian technology.

In the past, Israel has attempted airstrikes on Fordow but did not successfully destroy it. Elite units like Shaldag have used stealth tactics—launching airstrikes as distractions—before sneaking in to plant explosives. Yadlin recalled a successful mission where his unit destroyed a similar underground site, underlining Israel’s capability for such stealth operations.

Historically, Israel has faced challenges when dealing with potential nuclear threats. In 1981, a daring mission took out Iraq’s nuclear reactor at Osirak. Yadlin was part of that operation, recalling the immense risks without modern tools like GPS or air refueling. They had to rely on their skills to carry out the mission against high odds.

In recent history, Yadlin remembers the 2007 strike against a secret Syrian nuclear reactor, executed even without American support. Such precedents show that Israel often takes bold measures in the interest of national security.

When it comes to Fordow, military experts suggest various strategies to neutralize it. Yadlin argues that attacking Fordow might actually de-escalate tensions rather than intensify them. This move could strengthen U.S. military standing against global rivals like China and Russia.

Experts also recommend disabling the site’s power. If the centrifuges lose power, they’re effectively rendered useless, halting uranium enrichment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at having additional strategies up his sleeve, emphasizing that the country is prepared for diverse scenarios. The reality remains that any decision—whether taken unilaterally by Israel or jointly with the U.S.—will have profound implications for regional security.

For a more in-depth exploration of Israel’s historical military actions, you can refer to resources like The Brookings Institution.

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