Facing Iran: Lessons Learned Since Iraq's 1991 Missile Attack on Israel

Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs ^ | 3/20/2010 | Moshe Arens

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

•The Iranians learned a great deal from the destruction of Iraq's Osirak reactor by the Israel Air Force in 1981. The Osirak reactor was the key element in the Iraqi nuclear program: a single target which, when it was destroyed, set that program back very substantially. The Iranians saw this and they dispersed their nuclear program. Much of it is deep underground. There is no single target which, if destroyed, would substantially set back the Iranian nuclear program •When I came to Washington as Israel's ambassador in 1982, the atmosphere was one of hostility and there was talk of imposing sanctions against Israel as a reaction to its unilateral action against the Osirak reactor. Yet after a few years the view in Washington changed completely. It is difficult to envision the Americans undertaking Operation Desert Storm in the Gulf in 1991 if the Iraqi nuclear program had continued beyond 1981 and had not been so seriously set back by the Israeli action. •Some say that while the missiles Israel faces are relatively cheap weapons, we are launching a very expensive missile interceptor system against it, which does not seem very wise at first sight. However, the damage that might be caused by the incoming missile may far exceed the cost of the anti-missile system. •Israel's missile interceptor system poses a dilemma to anybody who decides to launch missiles against Israel, especially a missile that has a nuclear warhead. The dilemma is that the missile may very well be intercepted and thus expose the launching of a nuclear missile, even if it didn't reach its target, which could bring about the response that could be expected for committing this deed.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks sonofstrangelove.

The Iranians learned a great deal from the destruction of Iraq's Osirak reactor by the Israel Air Force in 1981... a single target which, when it was destroyed, set that program back very substantially. The Iranians saw this and they dispersed their nuclear program. Much of it is deep underground. There is no single target which, if destroyed, would substantially set back the Iranian nuclear program... Some say that while the missiles Israel faces are relatively cheap weapons, we are launching a very expensive missile interceptor system against it, which does not seem very wise at first sight. However, the damage that might be caused by the incoming missile may far exceed the cost of the anti-missile system... poses a dilemma to anybody who decides to launch missiles against Israel, especially a missile that has a nuclear warhead.

[SJackson]

Middle East and terrorism, occasional political and Jewish issues Ping List. High Volume

If you’d like to be on or off, please FR mail me.

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[left that other site]

If I remember correctly, (and it was a while ago, I admit), Saddam lobbed about 17 SCUD Missiles into Israel in 1991, causing a LOT of damage and injury.

I had a trip to Israel scheduled and paid for, but OUR State Department Canceled it, and my money was returned in full. So it stands to reason that all Tourism from the USA was canceled for at least a month, costing the State of Israel A whole Boatload of much needed income.

Since Israel had a decent relationship with then President George H.W. Bush, They AGREED NOT to retaliate and allow Coalition Forces “Take care of It.”.

This required PHENOMENAL Restraint, Trust, Courage, and FRIENDSHIP with the USA.

Can The “Lyin’ King” and “Shrillery” claim this same king of Trusting Relationship with Israel, if the need again arises?

I think not.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The Patriots back then were not like the Patriots of today. Israel does have a integrated missile air defense network which includes NORAD/DSP satellite support.

[left that other site]

I am really happy to hear that.

I would have gone on my trip if the State Dept. Hadn’t forced me to cancel

I wasn’t Afraid.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

The Israeli Air defense Network employs four primary weapons systems:
FIM-92 Stinger, a man portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile, mostly employed against helicopters
MIM-23 Hawk, a medium range radar guided surface-to-air missile and longest serving system, it is also the network's most victorious. The current model is an "improved" version featuring Raytheon's PIP3#
MIM-104 Patriot, a High to Medium Air Defense (HIMAD) medium tactical air defense platform which has demonstrated the capability to down ballistic missiles
Arrow missile, an Israeli developed theatre missile defence (TMD) system meant to stop ballistic missiles in the stratosphere

[left that other site]

Those are all terrific! I am really happy to hear of the improvements in their defense systems.

I wish they had something for the pesky Kassams and Katyushas though!

Either that, or the alleged people who shoot them.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

They have their Iron Dome system to take care of the Kassams and Katyushas. It should be fully activiated very soon.

[left that other site]

Please G-d.

Although I have other ideas.

Perhaps i shouldn’t share them here, LOL.

Too harsh perhaps.