A massive war game simulation by the Institute for National Security Studies of the IDF’s engagement after a strike on Iran recently took place, illustrating Israel’s increasing preparedness for putting a military end to the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program.
The drill played out a unilateral Israeli strike on Iran after midnight on November 9, without US participation.
In the simulation, Al-Jazeera reported four massive and successful assaults on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran responded by firing 200 Shihab missiles at Israel and calling on Hizbullah and Hamas to attack Israel.
The game determined that it would be difficult for Israel to reach a diplomatic solution following a military exchange between the countries, especially given Russia’s interest in using such a situation for its own strategic advantage.
In the scenario, the US would side with Israel but stay out of warfare, attempting to broker peace through a lessening of sanctions.
As for Hizbullah, Tehran would declare Israel’s act “judgement day” – the entire purpose of the armament of Hizbullah.
Israelis would endure the conflict, surviving on a mix of relief over the success of the missions and a belief that their cause was justified.
The INSS concluded that either a major regional war would take place after an Israeli attack on Iran, or Iran would be restricted in its movements, and unable to start a serious conflict.