Israel’s national security adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, confirmed Tuesday that Israel’s campaign against Iran will not end before it has inflicted serious damage on the Fordow nuclear facility—an underground complex critical to Iran’s uranium enrichment program.
Hanegbi made the statement during an interview with Channel 12, emphasizing Israel’s resolve to act, regardless of whether the U.S. joins the effort. Fordow is buried nearly 300 feet beneath a mountain and houses thousands of centrifuges. The site is considered unreachable by Israel’s current conventional munitions, which is why the operation has long been viewed as contingent on American involvement.
Despite this, Hanegbi noted that Israel is not lobbying Washington for military assistance, though ongoing dialogue continues between the two nations. Israeli forces believe they may be able to damage the facility through repeated, targeted bombings using 2,000- and 5,000-pound munitions to weaken the structure.
The IDF confirmed it has an operational plan ready and is awaiting political approval to strike Fordow. While the U.S. possesses advanced bunker-busting bombs and strategic bombers capable of a direct strike, Israel appears prepared to act independently if necessary.
Israel’s military strategy extends beyond Fordow. It includes dismantling Iran’s ballistic missile infrastructure and crippling its nuclear weapons development. Israeli forces have achieved air superiority over Iran, having neutralized air defenses, enabling fighter jets to operate unchallenged across Iranian airspace.
The Israeli Air Force’s dominance allows for round-the-clock operations, putting immense pressure on Tehran’s capabilities. Analysts suggest that unless Iran finds a way to respond or the U.S. intervenes, Israel will likely achieve its objectives within the next one to two weeks.
While conventional wisdom has long held that Israel cannot destroy Fordow alone, recent developments and statements by Israeli officials suggest that Jerusalem is committed to finding a way, using every tool available to neutralize what it sees as an existential threat.
