Netanyahu: Israel will decide its response to Iran based on its “national interest”.

The Israeli newspaper “Jerusalem Post” said that Israel prepared a secret plan 20 years ago to attack Iran. It relies on advanced weapons on which billions of dollars have been spent.

She said: “The Israeli defense establishment worked to prepare for a possible strike in Iran, and they developed special weapons, and some of these capabilities were not revealed until they were sold to foreign forces. “

She pointed out that Israel carried out a strike against the Houthis in Yemen last month, with an F-15 aircraft, launched from a base 1,800 kilometers away, to demonstrate their skills. These aircraft, originally designed for air combat, were modified in Israel to carry out strike missions and were equipped to carry modern weapons from American and Israeli manufacturers. However, an attack on Iran is a more complex challenge, albeit at a similar pace.

Israeli F-16 aircraft (Reuters)

She said that Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic missile bases are underground, compared to less protected targets, such as oil stations. In addition, Iran operates an advanced air defense system, which was developed at home. According to their claims, which have not yet been confirmed, this system matches the capabilities of Russian systems such as the S-300, which can intercept missiles launched by Israel.

However, these defenses did not prevent the Israeli strike on Isfahan after the Iranian attack in April.

Iran maintains an old fleet, including Russian MiG-29 jets and American F-14 jets, from the Shah’s era, which are still operating despite international sanctions.

As a result of these challenges, the Israeli forces spent 20 years preparing for a possible strike in Iran, and invested billions of dollars.

These investments include the development of special weapons, some of which the United States refused to even sell to Israel, as well as technologies not available to the United States.

Bombing from a distance of 1,800 kilometers

The US and Russian forces usually carry out strikes from a distance of about 1,800 kilometers using cruise missiles and bombers However, Israel has allocated large portions of its American aid to buy fighter jets that are capable of flying for two hours, starting with the advanced F-15I. squadron to 4 squadron «F-16I».

The American company Lockheed Martin developed fuel tanks specifically for these aircraft, which improved their range.

Foreign reports indicate that Israel developed removable fuel tanks for F-35 aircraft, which allowed them to reach Iran, while maintaining stealth capabilities.

Without these tanks, its range would be insufficient, and the fuel tanks located under the wings compromised much of the stealth capability.

Long-range attack missiles

In the late 2000s, Israel unveiled two long-range attack missiles – “Rampage” and “Rox” – that are launched from fighter jets Although details, such as their exact range, are unclear, it is known their range reaches hundreds of miles.

These missiles fly at speeds above the speed of sound, which reduces enemy warning times and complicates interception attempts, which increases the chance of hitting the target.

Foreign sources indicate that Israel has a “surface-to-surface” missile system, equipped with conventional and nuclear warheads, known as “Jericho” missiles.

Despite the hundreds of ballistic missiles that Iran has launched towards Israel, Israel’s ability to use these missiles in a strike seems to be low.

Israel maintains a policy of secrecy regarding its capabilities in this area, and often announces tests at launch operations from its base in Palmachim, but the unveiling of the Shavit satellite launch pad in 1988 proved ballistic capabilities. long range Israel. Since any satellite launcher can be modified for military use, these missiles are expected to remain deployable for the time being.

In addition, Elbit has developed bunker bombs, called “500MPR,” capable of penetrating up to 4 meters of concrete in these bombs, which have been tested on F-15I aircraft , with a shorter range, up to a few meters of kilometers depending on the starting method.

There is also a “PopEye Turbo” missile with a range of 1,500 kilometers, which is designed to be launched from Israeli naval submarines, and is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads.

This zone allows Israeli submarines to attack Iran from the Red Sea or the Arabian Sea without entering the Gulf.

According to the newspaper, exporting these weapons to reliable foreign buyers will allow Israeli companies to reinvest in developing missiles and bombs, which will reduce costs for the Ministry of Defense. Defense of Israel.

It is likely that unproven weapons will be stored in Israeli Air Force warehouses, waiting for the right time.