Overview
The lecture reviews a 1981 plan involving Israel and India to strike Pakistan's Kahuda nuclear facility and the diplomatic and military reactions that caused the plan's cancellation.
Israel's Strike Plan
- In 1981, Israel developed a plan to attack Pakistan's Kahuda nuclear enrichment facility.
- Kahuda was a key, well-protected center for Pakistan's uranium enrichment program.
India's Involvement
- India supported Israel by offering air bases for Israeli F-16s and F-15s to refuel before the strike.
- The Indian codename for this plan was Operation Shockti.
- Israeli pilots started training for the mission with Indian support.
Pakistan's Response
- Pakistan’s intelligence agency ISI discovered the strike plan.
- General Zia-ul-Haq, Pakistan's leader, responded with a direct warning to Israel.
- He threatened to strike Israel’s Dimona nuclear facility in retaliation.
- Pakistani F-16 pilots volunteered for a potential one-way mission to attack Dimona.
- General Zia warned India as well about the consequences.
Cancellation of the Operation
- Facing possible escalation into a wider conflict, India withdrew its support for the plan.
- Without Indian logistical help, Israel could not proceed and called off the operation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Kahuda — Pakistan’s main uranium enrichment nuclear facility in 1981.
- Operation Shockti — Indian codename for the joint plan with Israel to strike Kahuda.
- ISI — Inter-Services Intelligence, Pakistan’s primary intelligence agency.
- Dimona — Israel’s main nuclear facility, threatened by Pakistan in response.
Action Items / Next Steps