The options on the table for Israel if it has to go it alone without help

Israel has a number of options to destroy Iran’s nuclear enrichment facility at Fordow, which is buried deep under a mountain south of Tehran. One of these options includes sending elite Israeli Air Force commandos from Unit 5101, also known as Shaldag. This unit, named after the kingfisher bird known for its patience and diving abilities, surprised the world in September by successfully entering an underground missile factory used by Iran in Syria.

Former Israeli Military Intelligence Chief Amos Yadlin spoke exclusively to Fox News about this mission, stating that the Syrian facility, while smaller than Fordow, produced advanced ballistic missiles using Iranian technology and funding. Despite several air strikes by Israel, the site remained intact until Unit 5101 carried out a covert operation to destroy it. The commandos entered the complex under the cover of darkness, planted explosives, and successfully demolished the facility, which was 300 feet underground.

This is not the first time Israel has undertaken daring missions to eliminate secret nuclear complexes. In 1981, Israeli pilots carried out a secret bombing mission on Iraq’s nuclear reactor at Osirak. Yadlin, who was one of the F-16 pilots involved in the Osirak attack, recalled the challenges they faced without air refueling or GPS technology. Despite the risks, the mission was successful in preventing Iraq from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Yadlin also highlighted Israel’s 2007 strike on a suspected Syrian nuclear reactor and the use of cyber warfare to disrupt Iran’s uranium enrichment at Natanz. However, the decision to strike Fordow poses a different challenge, with Israel preferring the U.S. to use its B-2 stealth bombers and bunker-buster bombs. Yadlin emphasized the importance of targeting Fordow to quickly end the war and potentially deter China and Russia from interfering.

One option to incapacitate Fordow is to cut off its power supply, rendering the centrifuges useless. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at Israel’s capabilities, stating that they have “quite a few startups and rabbits up their sleeve” to address the Fordow threat. Ultimately, Israel’s determination to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains unwavering, with a variety of options at their disposal to safeguard national security and regional stability.