From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Israel won’t end operation against Iran before damaging Fordo, says national security adviser
Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
Israel’s operation against Iran “will not end without damaging the Fordo nuclear facility,” promises National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi in an interview with Channel 12.
The site, 90 meters (295 feet) underground, houses thousands of centrifuges to enrich uranium. Israel’s conventional munitions can’t reach that deep, and it would take the US joining the fight to knock it out from the air.
“I don’t know if the US will join,” says Hanegbi, adding that Israel is talking to the US continuously, but is not trying to convince them.
“The plan is blue and white, including all elements of the offensive,” he says, referring to the colors of the Israeli flag.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains an “intimate dialogue” with US President Donald Trump, says Hanegbi, adding that Israel knew there was no guarantee of American involvement when it decided to go ahead with the operation.
Trump is meeting with his national security team to discuss the possibility of joining the attack on Iran’s nuclear program, according to multiple reports.
On attempts to reach a hostage deal in Gaza, Hanegbi says there hasn’t been progress of late because Hamas has not responded to the latest Israeli offer.
The Times of Israel Community.