Why Iran’s missile strike near Israel’s Dimona could be a nuclear disaster amid ongoing war
Iran has hit Israel's Dimona town after threatening to target Israel’s Dimona nuclear site if the US and Israel push for regime change in Tehran. The heavily guarded facility in the Negev Desert is believed to be central to Israel’s nuclear weapons programme.
Iran strikes Israel’s Dimona days after threatening
Days after threatening to hit the nuclear facility in Dimona, Iran has launched its missiles in the town housing the site. On Mar 5, Iran had threatened to target the nuclear site of Dimona if Israel and the US seek regime change in the Islamic Republic, semi-official ISNA news agency reported.
Why is Dimona nuclear site crucial?
Dimona is widely believed to be the backbone of Israel’s nuclear weapons programme. Built starting in 1958, its heavy-water reactor became operational in the early 1960s, enabling the production of plutonium, a key ingredient for nuclear weapons. Over time, it evolved into the central hub for nuclear research, development, and weapons-related production, working closely with RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems. The site is among Israel’s most heavily guarded and secretive installations. What makes Dimona unique is that even the US intelligence community failed to detect its purpose for years. The site remained under wraps until December 1960, when a University of Michigan professor named Henry Gomberg uncovered the truth.
Warning issued about nuclear disaster
Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Mariano Grossi, called for maximum military restraint. "Closely monitoring the situation, Director General Rafael Grossi stressed that 'maximum military restraint should be observed, in particular in the vicinity of nuclear facilities." a site.
How was Dimona discovered?
During a visit to Israel as a consultant for the Israeli Atomic Energy Commission, Gomberg noticed indications of a far larger project than what had been publicly presented at Soreq. He shared his observations with the US ambassador in Tel Aviv and the Atomic Energy Commission in Paris. After returning to Washington, he briefed American officials, prompting the CIA to confirm the existence of the Dimona facility.
On December 7, 1960, the US State Department called in the Israeli ambassador to seek clarification, formally bringing Dimona into diplomatic discussions. A subsequent internal report was submitted to President John F. Kennedy, examining how US intelligence had overlooked the site. From Israel’s perspective, the delayed discovery proved advantageous, allowing the project to progress without external disruption.
How far is it main cities in Israel?
Approximately 80–85 km (50–53 miles) to the north is Jerusalem. Approximately 115–140 km (71–87 miles) to the northwest from this facility is Tel Aviv. Any attack on Dimona would pose extreme risk of radiological fallout affecting not just Israel, but also neighboring countries like Jordan.
(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.)
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