During Operation Opera, the Israeli Air Force carried out a surprise airstrike against Iraq's Osiraq nuclear reactor, located near Baghdad. The mission, which took place on June 7, 1981, was a highly secretive operation that involved eight F-16 fighter jets that flew over 1,000 kilometers undetected to reach their target. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Menachem Begin, justified the attack by expressing fears that the reactor could facilitate the production of nuclear weapons, posing a direct threat to Israel and the broader Middle East stability.

Prior to the operation, Israel had gathered intelligence indicating that Iraq was close to completing the reactor, which had garnered international attention due to its potential military implications. The decision to strike was made despite international criticism and warnings from various countries. The successful destruction of the Osiraq reactor resulted in significant ramifications for Iraq’s nuclear ambitions and catalyzed a wave of diplomatic disputes concerning the proliferation of nuclear technology in the region.

The operation, although costly in terms of international relations for Israel, was viewed domestically as a necessary step to ensure national security. The effectiveness of the Israeli Air Force in executing a long-range precision attack demonstrated military capabilities that have been viewed with respect and concern by neighboring states. The attack did, however, lead to heightened tensions in the Middle East, impacting regional geopolitics for decades to come.