Israel openly targets nuclear scientists, a shift from covert operations

Israel's overt targeting of nuclear scientists marks a dramatic shift in an age-old tactic.

: Israel has overtly escalated its attempts against Iran's nuclear program by targeting Iranian scientists, a significant shift from past covert operations. This strategy includes the assassination of multiple scientists, unlike historical methods that usually involved lower-tech, clandestine approaches. Experts like Jenna Jordan and Rachel Whitlark argue that while targeting can delay advancements, it doesn't necessarily destroy nuclear programs or deter countries from pursuing them. The public nature and swift claim of responsibility for these actions by Israel are unprecedented, suggesting potential increased risks of retaliation and diplomatic fallout.

The recent shift in Israel's strategy from covert operations to open assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists represents a crucial point of escalation in their long-term aim of hindering Tehran's nuclear ambitions. Jenna Jordan and Rachel Whitlark, from Georgia Tech, highlight that while the targeting of scientists is not a new practice, the public nature of these actions is unique. These actions were prompted by Operation Rising Lion, a military offensive wherein Israel assassinated at least nine significant Iranian nuclear experts starting on June 13, 2025. The move involved advanced military tactics to simultaneously degrade various capabilities of Iran.

Israel has officially justified these operations as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, a stance continually supported by successive Israeli leaderships. The historical context suggests operations have previously occurred privately and are characterized by covert eliminations. Common tactics included car bombs or hired gunmen, as seen in the high-profile assassination of Mohsen Fakhrizadeh in 2020. However, by claiming responsibility for the assassinations this time, Israel has magnified the geopolitical stakes, with potential repercussions for its relationships globally.

The historical roots of targeting scientists date back to World War II when Allied forces sought to neutralize Nazi efforts and recruit expertise to advance their own programs. Post-war, countries like the United States, Soviet Union, United Kingdom, and Israel frequently resorted to covertly halting potential adversaries' nuclear advancements by attacking key personnel. However, Israel's direct and public strategy in Iran contrasts with past operations by making a spectacle of its actions.

The efficiency of such assassinations in genuinely halting nuclear proliferation is debatable. According to experts, the elimination of an individual scientist can hinder technology transfers and slow progress; however, it rarely completely stops a program. Moreover, such actions potentially incentivize targeted nations to strengthen their efforts out of defiance or perceived need for security. Despite the immediate effects, history suggests a continuation in seeking or expanding nuclear capacities post-assassination campaigns.

Images of Iranian sites displaying their scientists have been a symbol of resilience and defiance against these aggressive tactics. These events expose the delicate balance between nuclear deterrence and provocation in international relations, with Israel's recent reaching for an overt display of force possibly raising the stakes to unprecedented levels, cautioning future interactions between nations.

Sources: Gizmodo, The Conversation, Reuters, Al Jazeera, BBC, CNN

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