Study estimates Israel's nuclear weapon count stands at 115

The Jerusalem Post ^ | 11/21/2015 | YOSSI MELMAN

[sukhoi-30mki]

Astudy conducted by the US based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) estimated that Israel had 115 nuclear bombs in its possession in 2014. The study was composed by the institute's founder David Albright, and was part of a more comprehensive study on the worldwide inventory of plutonium.

The study estimated that Israel produced plutonium at a rapid pace in the past 50 years since the inception of its nuclear reactor in Dimona, acquiring 660 kilograms of plutonium, taking into account an estimation error of 150 kilograms.

A single nuclear bomb requires 3-5 kg of plutonium, the study estimated.

Albright's estimation of Israel's nuclear bomb inventory differed from previous studies; Estimations based on the revelations of Mordechai Vanunu, the former technician at the Dimona nuclear plant who was imprisoned for 18 years for divulging secrets related to Israel’s purported nuclear weapons program, stood at 200. A study by Sweden's Peace Institute estimated the count at 80 bombs.

Albright's study reiterated previous suspicions that Israel's nuclear weapons are produced in the vicinity of Haifa in northern Israel.

It also delved into the myriad of nuclear-weapon delivery vehicles at the disposal of Israel.

Israel developed the Jericho-ballistic missile, according to Albright, along with nuclear-capable cruise missiles and an aircraft that can deliver nuclear weapons. Israel may also have the technology to launch missiles from its submarines, Albright reported.

According to the study, Israel also has the advanced know how to miniaturize nuclear warheads and fit them on missiles.

[ClearCase_guy]

the US based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS)

Obama funds ISIS and tells the world all about Israel's defense capabilities.

[airborne]

Israel has 115 and has never used one.

Imagine if Iran has one - how long until it gets used, I wonder?

[VanDeKoik]

Better known as a nice fence so that their neighbors think twice about letting their dog crap in their yard.

[M Kehoe]

115 is about two for every Arab/Muslim capital city.

That should do the trick if in the 10+ kt. range.

5.56mm

[RetSignman]

[Israel’s nuclear weapons are produced in the vicinity of Haifa in northern Israel.]

Why would they publish THAT when it wasn’t necessary to the article?

[jpsb]

Much more likely to be in the 300-400Kt range. 10+ kt would be a Uranium bomb. Modern nukes are enhanced plutonium (Hydrogen bombs).

[saintgermaine]

I am delighted to know, and knew it all along that they have nuclear capability as one day when push comes to shove they may need them. With the way things re going and stupidity increasing exponentially world wide I am afraid this day my not be too far off.

[elcid1970]

So....where are all the ISIS attacks against the hated Israel? Pali savages attacking Jews with knives are bush league.

Is there then one place on Earth where even ISIS dares not tread?

[VanDeKoik]

Israel has a bit too much practice with dealing with these people, and nothing to lose.

They would be just as ruthless as the Russians, and with the ability to bring more firepower. ISIS doesn’t need that grief. They have far easier targets.

[spetznaz]

It would never get used. Any nation state that uses a WMD would invite a retaliation that would be spoken of forever. The Iranians, who are Persians and not Arabs, are also less likely to have mass-suicidal tendencies (12th imam or no 12th imam), and the populace is actually quite pro-West. More pro-West than any of our Arab 'allies,' and the main issue with Iran is the religious and (part of) the political leadership. Iran is a natural ally of the West, and it is only the meddling of a certain peanut farmer from Georgia that became America's 39th president that messed things up.

I would be far more wary of a Jihadi group getting one nuclear or radiological device, and if I was to be afraid of a nuclear nation-state it would be Pakistan, easily a far more dangerous country than Iran is (but Pakistan happens to be an 'ally' so it's myriad sins, ranging from fathering North Korea's nuclear program, being one of two countries to officially recognize the Taliban - the other was our 'other ally' Saudi Arabia -, and supporting Jihadi groups ...all those sins are forgiven).

Let me conclude as follows. If a WMD ever hits a Western city, it will have Pakistani fingerprints and Saudi/Qatari money.

[spetznaz]

Of all the countries Islamic State could attack, Israel is at the very end of that list. Not because they don't have Israel - they do, but because they know that attacking Israel would be their end. The beautiful thing about that lovely country is they have made it very clear to all and sundry that attacking Israel is a highly unwise decision. More unwise than attacking even the US or Russia, and definitely much more than attacking Europe.

Even in their stupid evil, Islamic State knows that attacking Israel is a form of suicide. It may not have a sexy name, or something that sounds scientific, but it is a form of suicide.

[spetznaz]

Have Israel = Hate Israel

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks sukhoi-30mki.

As tudy conducted by the US based Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS) estimated that Israel had 115 nuclear bombs in its possession in 2014... estimated that Israel produced plutonium at a rapid pace in the past 50 years since the inception of its nuclear reactor in Dimona, acquiring 660 kilograms of plutonium, taking into account an estimation error of 150 kilograms... differed from previous studies; Estimations based on the revelations of Mordechai Vanunu, the former technician at the Dimona nuclear plant... A study by Sweden's Peace Institute estimated the count at 80 bombs

Israel's nukes program had borne fruit by 1973, and the Arab states were actually lucky that Israel's reservists turned the tide and that tide led to checkmate on both major fronts (Sinai and Golan). Now Israel can deliver the warheads using missiles, and wouldn't have to rely on bombers.

[Hebrews 11:6]

I’m curious about Israel’s delivery capabilities, wondering if they have missiles capable of reaching all the Middle East. I’d have thought the article would have included that vital information. Yes, I know Google is my friend...

[roadcat]

I’m curious about Israel’s delivery capabilities, wondering if they have missiles capable of reaching all the Middle East.

Submarines make all the difference.

[Rockingham]

H bombs use the Teller–Ulam configuration in which a fission trigger explosion generates radiation, heat, and pressure that initiate a fusion process, which is then boosted by additional fission. Yet, even if one has the design and specifications, making such a bomb requires exotic materials and complicated engineering with absurdly small tolerances. There is some doubt that Israel has accomplished this. That being so, their nuclear inventory may consist only of atomic bombs, no doubt of evolved design, and perhaps with some layered with deuterium compounds to enhance neutron output.

[Hebrews 11:6]

True enough, if their missiles are that puny.

[jpsb]

I will bow to your obvious superior knowledge, thank you for taking the time to educate me. I will just say that there are lots of very bright people in Israel (and lots of good spies too) . :-)

[rmlew]

I’m curious about Israel’s delivery capabilities, wondering if they have missiles capable of reaching all the Middle East. I’d have thought the article would have included that vital information. Yes, I know Google is my friend...
Yes, google may be a friend. globalsecurity.org is a good place to start.
Israel has ICBM's in operation that can easily hit anything within 1000 or 4000 miles. That can cover almost all of Eurasia and Africa. The new Jericho III can carry multiple independent re-entry vehicles.
Israel also has Popeye Turbo submarine launched cruise missiles deployed on its 5 operational Dolphin class submarines. These have a range of 1500km and give Israel second strike capabilities.