Operation Orchard was a covert military operation conducted by the Israeli Air Force to destroy a facility in Syria that was believed to be a nuclear reactor under construction. The site was located in the remote desert area of Deir ez-Zor. Israel's intelligence services had gathered evidence pointing towards Syria's clandestine efforts to develop nuclear weapons, with assistance reportedly from North Korea. The air strike took place on September 6, 2007, in the early hours of the morning, when Israeli jets penetrated Syrian airspace undetected.

Before the operation, Israel employed advanced surveillance techniques to monitor the construction of the reactor, which was thought to be similar in design to the Yongbyon Nuclear Scientific Research Center in North Korea. The strike was executed in complete secrecy, reflecting Israel's strategic priority to curb nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, especially concerning potential adversaries like Syria and Iran. After initially denying the attack, Israel publicly acknowledged its involvement in 2018, releasing images and intelligence that supported its claims about the reactor's nature.

The decision to carry out the air strike was influenced by heightened tensions in the region, including ongoing conflicts in neighboring Lebanon and the growing influence of Hezbollah. The destruction of the reactor facility had broader implications for regional security dynamics, as it emphasized Israel's military capabilities and willingness to use force to preempt perceived existential threats. The operation was seen as a critical moment in shaping the policies of both Syria and other Middle Eastern countries regarding nuclear development.