Iran threatened to strike Israel's nuclear facility in Dimona
Iran has announced that it may strike the Dimona nuclear facility in Israel if there is an attempt to change the government in the Islamic Republic. This was reported by the semi-official ISNA agency, citing an Iranian military official.
The statement came after a warning from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who said that anyone who takes the position would be a clear target for elimination.
The Shimon Peres Nuclear Centre in the Negev, known as the Dimona facility, is located in the Negev desert in southern Israel. It is located approximately 30 kilometres southeast of the city of Beersheba, approximately 25 kilometres from the border with Jordan and approximately 75 kilometres from the border with Egypt.
Officially, the facility is designated as a research centre. However, according to reports, it was there that Israel's nuclear weapons programme was developed.
Construction of the complex began in 1958. A heavy water nuclear reactor began operating between 1962 and 1964. It enabled the production of plutonium, which is used to create nuclear munitions.
Details of the centre's work remained classified until 1986, when former employee Mordechai Vanunu released information and photographs that revealed the extent of Israel's nuclear infrastructure.
Israel is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, so the International Atomic Energy Agency has no authority to inspect this facility.
Iran's National Security Council has stated that it has received sensitive information about hidden Israeli nuclear facilities.
According to experts, Iran has missile systems capable of reaching the Dimona area. At the same time, it is noted that a successful strike on this facility is considered unlikely due to Israel's advanced air defence system.
The Dimona complex is considered one of the most secure strategic facilities in the country. Its defence is provided by the Arrow-2, Arrow-3 and David's Sling systems. The use of the Iron Beam laser system has also been reported.
