What do you think?
Rate this book
The Samson Option: Israel's Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy
An investigation into Israel's nuclear capabilities discloses information about the country's rush toward nuclear status, its collaboration with South Africa and Iran, and its espionage activities.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 1991
92 people are currently reading
1573 people want to read
About the author
Seymour M. Hersh
35 books459 followersSeymour (Sy) Myron Hersh is an American Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist and author based in Washington, D.C. He is a regular contributor to The New Yorker magazine on military and security matters. He has also won two National Magazine Awards and is a "five-time Polk winner and recipient of the 2004 George Orwell Award."
He first gained worldwide recognition in 1969 for exposing the My Lai Massacre and its cover-up during the Vietnam War, for which he received the 1970 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting. His 2004 reports on the US military's mistreatment of detainees at Abu Ghraib prison gained much attention.
He first gained worldwide recognition in 1969 for exposing the My Lai Massacre and its cover-up during the Vietnam War, for which he received the 1970 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting. His 2004 reports on the US military's mistreatment of detainees at Abu Ghraib prison gained much attention.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 16, 2024
Written in 1991, The Samson Option is Seymour Hersh's account of Israel's acquisition of nuclear weapons.
As you'd expect of a documentary, the book is filled with fascinating facts that are little know by the public.
The primary result of reading this book is a keen awareness of how American administrations have been almost uniformly unheeding to Israel's progress toward membership (though denied) in the nuclear club.
Because Israel is such a tiny country and America is so huge, the advantages for Israel in the espionage business have been great. It's almost impossible for America to deliberately penetrate Israel's secret projects, since Israel is almost like a big family where everyone knows everyone else, while Israel has continually penetrated U.S. secret projects with relative ease because of the huge American bureaucracies that compete with each other and seldom pass on information to each other. In fact, the United States has learned details about what Israel has been doing most often from good fortune - someone starts talking, such as Mordecai Vanunu.
Time and again, when American intelligence gets the facts on what Israel is doing - particularly when it is acting counter to U.S. policy - nothing happens. This is because of the fear in America's intelligence services of saying something that the top people don't want to hear, because it would be political death to have to act on it.
There are loads of information in this book to back up what those in power know: that there are many very wealthy and politically active supporters of Israel in America that cannot be crossed. The story of Abe Feinberg is a perfect illustration of one such individual.
What I found most fascinating was the story of Jonathan Pollard. As you may know, there has been a constant effort by Israel to get him released from life in U.S. prison. In fact, just in the past week it's been suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu might ask for Pollard's release in exchange for a restriction on new settlements in the occupied territories.
For Pollard to be released would be an outrage. Hersh tells us Pollard turned over to the Israelis over 500,000 pages of top secret U.S. intelligence material and also the codes that allowed the Israelis to listen in on communications between the U.S. and its ambassador in Israel. His activities were known to those heading the Israeli government and they ordered his operation to continue. Most astounding is that Israeli PM Yitzhak Shamir, in an attempt to woo the USSR away from the Arabs, then turned much of the stolen U.S. intelligence over to the USSR, allowing the Russians to plug the sources that were providing the information to the U.S.
And this is a country that the U.S. unconditionally supports, repeatedly defends in the United Nations and provides with over $3 billion annually!
The book confirmed the obvious. Israel is a foreign country and should be treated like a foreign country. They look out for their interests and we should look out for ours. For the last 40 years the tiny state on the other side of the world has been taking the U.S. to the cleaners.
Good book, a million fascinating facts, eye-opening.
UPDATE: Pollard was released and went to Israel where he was given a hero's welcome. America's unconditional support of Israel continued to the extent of providing all the ordinance necessary for the slaughter of tens of thousands of Palestinians by the IDF in 2023-4 continuing as I write this update.
As you'd expect of a documentary, the book is filled with fascinating facts that are little know by the public.
The primary result of reading this book is a keen awareness of how American administrations have been almost uniformly unheeding to Israel's progress toward membership (though denied) in the nuclear club.
Because Israel is such a tiny country and America is so huge, the advantages for Israel in the espionage business have been great. It's almost impossible for America to deliberately penetrate Israel's secret projects, since Israel is almost like a big family where everyone knows everyone else, while Israel has continually penetrated U.S. secret projects with relative ease because of the huge American bureaucracies that compete with each other and seldom pass on information to each other. In fact, the United States has learned details about what Israel has been doing most often from good fortune - someone starts talking, such as Mordecai Vanunu.
Time and again, when American intelligence gets the facts on what Israel is doing - particularly when it is acting counter to U.S. policy - nothing happens. This is because of the fear in America's intelligence services of saying something that the top people don't want to hear, because it would be political death to have to act on it.
There are loads of information in this book to back up what those in power know: that there are many very wealthy and politically active supporters of Israel in America that cannot be crossed. The story of Abe Feinberg is a perfect illustration of one such individual.
What I found most fascinating was the story of Jonathan Pollard. As you may know, there has been a constant effort by Israel to get him released from life in U.S. prison. In fact, just in the past week it's been suggested that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu might ask for Pollard's release in exchange for a restriction on new settlements in the occupied territories.
For Pollard to be released would be an outrage. Hersh tells us Pollard turned over to the Israelis over 500,000 pages of top secret U.S. intelligence material and also the codes that allowed the Israelis to listen in on communications between the U.S. and its ambassador in Israel. His activities were known to those heading the Israeli government and they ordered his operation to continue. Most astounding is that Israeli PM Yitzhak Shamir, in an attempt to woo the USSR away from the Arabs, then turned much of the stolen U.S. intelligence over to the USSR, allowing the Russians to plug the sources that were providing the information to the U.S.
And this is a country that the U.S. unconditionally supports, repeatedly defends in the United Nations and provides with over $3 billion annually!
The book confirmed the obvious. Israel is a foreign country and should be treated like a foreign country. They look out for their interests and we should look out for ours. For the last 40 years the tiny state on the other side of the world has been taking the U.S. to the cleaners.
Good book, a million fascinating facts, eye-opening.
UPDATE: Pollard was released and went to Israel where he was given a hero's welcome. America's unconditional support of Israel continued to the extent of providing all the ordinance necessary for the slaughter of tens of thousands of Palestinians by the IDF in 2023-4 continuing as I write this update.
September 1, 2018
This is a 1991 book by a leading journalist (Seymour Hersh) about how the U.S. turned a blind eye to Israel building nuclear weapons. If you think the deep state is more powerful than moneyed interests, think again--the deep state (that is, the U.S. bureaucracy which keeps chugging along regardless of which political party holds the most power) is run by moneyed interests. Your tax dollars at work!
Also, a big LOL at Israel freaking out over Iran possibly getting nuclear weapons. Pots and kettles!
This reads more as a history of the events than as current events, meaning that this book has aged well and is still a good read.
Also, a big LOL at Israel freaking out over Iran possibly getting nuclear weapons. Pots and kettles!
This reads more as a history of the events than as current events, meaning that this book has aged well and is still a good read.
June 21, 2025
The Samson Option, by the legendary Seymour Hersh is a provocative investigation into one of the most secretive dimensions of Israeli statecraft: its development and deployment of nuclear weapons, and the shadow this arsenal has cast over U.S.-Israeli relations. Named after the biblical figure who brought down a temple on himself and his enemies, the “Samson Option” refers to Israel’s implicit nuclear threat of massive retaliation if its existence is ever in peril. Drawing on interviews with intelligence officials, declassified documents, and high-level sources in both Israel and the United States, Hersh presents a detailed, often unsettling account of how Israel came to possess a nuclear arsenal and how American policymakers have tolerated—and in some cases facilitated—this outcome.
The book begins by chronicling the origins of Israel’s nuclear program, centered at the secretive Dimona reactor in the Negev desert. Hersh shows how Israeli leaders, particularly David Ben-Gurion and Shimon Peres, pursued nuclear weapons as a way to ensure the survival of the Jewish state in a hostile regional environment. With French assistance in the 1950s, and later through deception and evasion of U.S. nonproliferation policy, Israel built a covert nuclear capability. Hersh emphasizes the complicity—or at least willful ignorance—of successive U.S. administrations, particularly under Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, in failing to confront Israel’s nuclear ambitions.
A core theme of The Samson Option is the hypocrisy and double standards of U.S. foreign policy. While American officials publicly championed nuclear nonproliferation and imposed sanctions on other countries, Israel was given a pass, largely because of its strategic importance in the Cold War Middle East. Hersh points to key moments, such as Henry Kissinger’s calculated ambiguity, and the Nixon administration’s decision to adopt a “don’t ask, don’t tell” posture on Israeli nukes. Hersh also explores the quiet support Israel received from U.S. defense contractors and Jewish-American scientists sympathetic to Israel’s cause.
Hersh’s unveiled that Israel used its nuclear capability to pressure the United States, particularly during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He argues that Israel’s rapid mobilization of its nuclear forces, coupled with its deep intelligence penetration of U.S. defense establishments, gave it significant leverage in extracting massive American aid and weapons resupply. The book also examines the role of Jonathan Pollard, the U.S. naval intelligence analyst who spied for Israel, and the far-reaching consequences of that breach for U.S.-Israeli trust.
Hersh addresses the controversial issue of dual loyalty, particularly in the context of Jewish-American government officials and private citizens who supported Israel’s nuclear program or passed along classified information. While Hersh does not accuse all Jewish-Americans of divided loyalties, he does raise pointed questions about a small group of individuals—particularly those involved in covert intelligence sharing or lobbying—who, in his view, appeared to prioritize Israeli security interests even when they conflicted with U.S. policy.
One of the key figures Hersh focuses on is Abe Feinberg, a wealthy Jewish-American businessman and political fixer with close ties to both Israeli officials and top figures in the U.S. government. Feinberg helped funnel private donations and industrial materials to Israel’s nuclear program in the 1950s and 1960s. Hersh portrays him as a conduit through which support for Israel—sometimes covert or in violation of U.S. laws—flowed with the tacit approval of powerful American politicians. Hersh implies that Feinberg’s actions were emblematic of a small but influential network where support for Israel blurred into questionable ethical territory.
Hersh, who is also Jewish by the way, does not hammer the idea of “dual loyalty” in a crude or accusatory way, but he clearly intends to provoke debate about where lines should be drawn between ethnic or religious solidarity and national allegiance. The book implicitly challenges the reader to consider whether the U.S.-Israel relationship has been shaped in part by unacknowledged conflicts of interest—especially among individuals who operate in both political and ethnic affinity networks.
Hersh raises enduring questions about the costs of U.S. support for Israel, the fragility of nuclear deterrence, and the moral hazards of opaque diplomacy. While some of its specifics have aged or been challenged, the broader themes remain sharply relevant in today’s geopolitics.
The book begins by chronicling the origins of Israel’s nuclear program, centered at the secretive Dimona reactor in the Negev desert. Hersh shows how Israeli leaders, particularly David Ben-Gurion and Shimon Peres, pursued nuclear weapons as a way to ensure the survival of the Jewish state in a hostile regional environment. With French assistance in the 1950s, and later through deception and evasion of U.S. nonproliferation policy, Israel built a covert nuclear capability. Hersh emphasizes the complicity—or at least willful ignorance—of successive U.S. administrations, particularly under Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon, in failing to confront Israel’s nuclear ambitions.
A core theme of The Samson Option is the hypocrisy and double standards of U.S. foreign policy. While American officials publicly championed nuclear nonproliferation and imposed sanctions on other countries, Israel was given a pass, largely because of its strategic importance in the Cold War Middle East. Hersh points to key moments, such as Henry Kissinger’s calculated ambiguity, and the Nixon administration’s decision to adopt a “don’t ask, don’t tell” posture on Israeli nukes. Hersh also explores the quiet support Israel received from U.S. defense contractors and Jewish-American scientists sympathetic to Israel’s cause.
Hersh’s unveiled that Israel used its nuclear capability to pressure the United States, particularly during the 1973 Yom Kippur War. He argues that Israel’s rapid mobilization of its nuclear forces, coupled with its deep intelligence penetration of U.S. defense establishments, gave it significant leverage in extracting massive American aid and weapons resupply. The book also examines the role of Jonathan Pollard, the U.S. naval intelligence analyst who spied for Israel, and the far-reaching consequences of that breach for U.S.-Israeli trust.
Hersh addresses the controversial issue of dual loyalty, particularly in the context of Jewish-American government officials and private citizens who supported Israel’s nuclear program or passed along classified information. While Hersh does not accuse all Jewish-Americans of divided loyalties, he does raise pointed questions about a small group of individuals—particularly those involved in covert intelligence sharing or lobbying—who, in his view, appeared to prioritize Israeli security interests even when they conflicted with U.S. policy.
One of the key figures Hersh focuses on is Abe Feinberg, a wealthy Jewish-American businessman and political fixer with close ties to both Israeli officials and top figures in the U.S. government. Feinberg helped funnel private donations and industrial materials to Israel’s nuclear program in the 1950s and 1960s. Hersh portrays him as a conduit through which support for Israel—sometimes covert or in violation of U.S. laws—flowed with the tacit approval of powerful American politicians. Hersh implies that Feinberg’s actions were emblematic of a small but influential network where support for Israel blurred into questionable ethical territory.
Hersh, who is also Jewish by the way, does not hammer the idea of “dual loyalty” in a crude or accusatory way, but he clearly intends to provoke debate about where lines should be drawn between ethnic or religious solidarity and national allegiance. The book implicitly challenges the reader to consider whether the U.S.-Israel relationship has been shaped in part by unacknowledged conflicts of interest—especially among individuals who operate in both political and ethnic affinity networks.
Hersh raises enduring questions about the costs of U.S. support for Israel, the fragility of nuclear deterrence, and the moral hazards of opaque diplomacy. While some of its specifics have aged or been challenged, the broader themes remain sharply relevant in today’s geopolitics.
June 19, 2022
Excellent circa-1991 overview of the Israeli nuclear weapons program and the labyrinthine intrigues involved on both Israeli and US sides to keep it an open-secret.
Hersh does an outstanding job plumbing out the details on stuff that often and deliberately had no bureaucratic memory, so each group of analysts were starting from scratch and totally unaware of the others. There was quite a bit of infighting between people trying to report accurate information vs the people who found it more convenient to ignore it, so there were plenty of wounded bureaucrats as sources. This even is true on the Israeli side, where the debates about these were carried on outside of public view, so a lot of unresolved grievances there from the winners and losers.
The overall picture is pretty damning of Israel as an essentially rogue state, one willing to make common cause with other apartheid states and funnel intelligence from and to anyone who can give them an edge. Maybe we shouldn't give them billions of dollars a year!
Hersh does an outstanding job plumbing out the details on stuff that often and deliberately had no bureaucratic memory, so each group of analysts were starting from scratch and totally unaware of the others. There was quite a bit of infighting between people trying to report accurate information vs the people who found it more convenient to ignore it, so there were plenty of wounded bureaucrats as sources. This even is true on the Israeli side, where the debates about these were carried on outside of public view, so a lot of unresolved grievances there from the winners and losers.
The overall picture is pretty damning of Israel as an essentially rogue state, one willing to make common cause with other apartheid states and funnel intelligence from and to anyone who can give them an edge. Maybe we shouldn't give them billions of dollars a year!
July 19, 2014
كتاب جيد ولكنه ممل في أجزاء كبيرة ويفتقد للترابط
ربما كان في النهاية تجميعات صحفية في روح تحليلة ولكنها جيدة بشكل كبير
كتاب يتحدث عن تطور الترسانة النووية الصهيونية والتي ظلت سرا محاطاٌ بالكتمان التام
في الكتاب سلط الكاتب الضوء عن أمور كثيرة مهمة ولا يعرفها الكثير
مثل تسليطه الضوء علي شخصيه بيجرمان عالم الكيمياء الصهيوني والأب الروحي للقنبلة النووية الصهيونية
وكذلك تطرق الكاتب للنقاشات والاعتراضات والسياسة الداخلية المعقدة التي واجهها المشروع النووي في ديمونة طوال ال30 عاماٌ الذي كان الكتاب يتحدث خلالها
فمن استهلاك القوة العاملة المدربة والعقول الي استهلاك المليارات كانت ديمونة بحق أداة استنزاف للجيش والاقتصاد الصهيوني ولكنه في النهاية وفر لهم مظلة نووية
الجزء الذي ركز عليه الكاتب هو التواطؤ وسياسة غض البصر التي اتبعتها كل الأنظمة الاميريكية من بعد الرئيس ايزنهاور
كتاب جميل وأنصح ان يقرأه المهتم في شئون التسليح او العدو الصهيوني او مهتم بالقضايا النووية
ربما كان في النهاية تجميعات صحفية في روح تحليلة ولكنها جيدة بشكل كبير
كتاب يتحدث عن تطور الترسانة النووية الصهيونية والتي ظلت سرا محاطاٌ بالكتمان التام
في الكتاب سلط الكاتب الضوء عن أمور كثيرة مهمة ولا يعرفها الكثير
مثل تسليطه الضوء علي شخصيه بيجرمان عالم الكيمياء الصهيوني والأب الروحي للقنبلة النووية الصهيونية
وكذلك تطرق الكاتب للنقاشات والاعتراضات والسياسة الداخلية المعقدة التي واجهها المشروع النووي في ديمونة طوال ال30 عاماٌ الذي كان الكتاب يتحدث خلالها
فمن استهلاك القوة العاملة المدربة والعقول الي استهلاك المليارات كانت ديمونة بحق أداة استنزاف للجيش والاقتصاد الصهيوني ولكنه في النهاية وفر لهم مظلة نووية
الجزء الذي ركز عليه الكاتب هو التواطؤ وسياسة غض البصر التي اتبعتها كل الأنظمة الاميريكية من بعد الرئيس ايزنهاور
كتاب جميل وأنصح ان يقرأه المهتم في شئون التسليح او العدو الصهيوني او مهتم بالقضايا النووية
February 28, 2011
Hersh is always blowing the lid off of secrets. I found this riveting. It explains Israel's nuclear secrets and position and how we looked the other way (and continue). The story of how they became a nuclear power is incredible and telling. After reading you will ask if we really want to be "friends" or if they are actually reciprocating our friendly relationship.
June 19, 2025
1990 book that feels like it was written this week, absolute nightmare.
July 24, 2025
هذا الكتاب يؤرخ لنشأة وتأسيس مفاعل ديمونة في صحراء النقب جنوب فلسطين المحتلة أو ما يطلق عليها "إسرائيل"، وذلك في عام 1958، بدعم وتمويل وإشراف فرنسي، ودخل المفاعل حيّز التشغيل في الفترة بين عامي 1962 و1964.
الكتاب مليء بالتفاصيل الفنية واللوجيستية المتعلقة بكيفية تأسيس المفاعل والإجراءات التي اتخذت لإحاطته بالسرية الشديدة وبالأخص في فترة الإنشاء وحتى الاختبار الأول الذي تم في جنوب أفريقيا والتقطه القمر الصناعي الأمريكي المخصص لمراقبة الاختبارات النووية.
الكتاب صدر عام 1991 والكثير من المعلومات الواردة فيه أصبحت قديمة ومعروفة الآن بعد مرور أكثر من ثلاثين عاما على صدور الكتاب.
استوقفتني بعض الفقرات المهمة وذات الدلالة التي توضح طبيعة العلاقة بين الكيان الإسرائيلي والولايات المتحدة، وطبيعة الدور الذي تقوم به "إسرائيل" في المنطقة. وما لفت نظري إلى هذه الفقرات هو أننا سمعنا كلاما مشابها لها أو قريبا منها على لسان المسئولين الإسرائيليين في بداية وأثناء حرب طوفان الأقصى (أكتوبر 2023) التي مرّ عليها الآن أكثر من عشرين شهرا ولازالت مشتعلة، فما تم التخطيط له منذ نشأة هذا الكيان تجري الآن محاولة تنفيذه بقسوة وبشراسة لم يسبق لها مثيل في التاريخ، والإبادة الجماعية التي تجري الآن في قطاع غزة خير شاهد على ذلك.
هذه الفقرات المهمة وردت في الفصل قبل الأخير من الكتاب وهي على الترتيب:
(1)
"في سبتمبر سنة 1981، بعد ثلاثة أشهر من الغارة على أزيراك، وصل أريل شارون – الذي عينه مناحيم بيجين وزيرا للدفاع – إلى واشنطن مع بيجين لتقديم جدول أعمال بعيد المدى للتعاون الاستراتيجي الإسرائيلي الأمريكي. وستصبح بمقتضاه إسرائيل الشريك العسكري لأمريكا وذراعها العسكرية في الشرق الأوسط والخليج الفارسي وتعمل كمخزن للأسلحة والذخيرة المخزونة مسبقا لتستخدمها القوات الأمريكية".
(2)
"خلال الأشهر التالية وجد شارون وسيلة لتنفيذ أهدافه الاستراتيجية بدون مساعدة واشنطن، فقد قاد إسرائيل بتأييد من بيجين لغزو لبنان في محاولة لتدمير منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية واستغلال الهيمنة الإسرائيلية من أجل تغيير البناء السياسي للشرق الأوسط".
(3)
"وبعد عدة أسابيع من عودته من واشنطن في أوائل خريف 1981 دعا شارون كبار قادة جيش الدفاع الإسرائيلي وأبلغهم للمرة الأولى بالخطط التفصيلية لتنفيذ جدول أعماله السياسي، فسوف تقوم إسرائيل بغزو لبنان، ويتذكر ضابط كان حاضرا أنه وآخرين استاءوا من سماع شارون وهو يتحدث عن ضرورة الدخول في لبنان وتدمير عاصمة الإرهاب. وتحدث عن الذراع الطويلة لجيش الدفاع الإسرائيلي وضرورة "تغيير الأنظمة في العالم العربي ولا نكتفي بالكلمات". وأضاف الضابط: لقد كنت أجلس مع مجموعة من الضباط وقلت: سوف يقودنا لحرب في الشرق الأوسط، وتصاعدت ضحكات عصبية في أرجاء المكان".
(4)
"وتضمن حديث شارون عنصرا آخر أكثر وضوحا، فقد عاد من واشنطن معاديا للأمريكيين بشكل لم ألحظه من قبل، وأعطانا انطباعه عن واشنطن وقال: "إن الأمريكيين يعاملوننا مثل حاملة طائرات ولا يفهمون دلالتنا، فنحن لسنا حاملة طائرات واحدة، فنحن عشرون حاملة طائرات ونحن أكثر أهمية مما يعتقدون وفي وسعنا أن نأخذ الشرق الأوسط معنا حيث نذهب".
انتهت الاقتباسات... ولا تعليق!
الكتاب مليء بالتفاصيل الفنية واللوجيستية المتعلقة بكيفية تأسيس المفاعل والإجراءات التي اتخذت لإحاطته بالسرية الشديدة وبالأخص في فترة الإنشاء وحتى الاختبار الأول الذي تم في جنوب أفريقيا والتقطه القمر الصناعي الأمريكي المخصص لمراقبة الاختبارات النووية.
الكتاب صدر عام 1991 والكثير من المعلومات الواردة فيه أصبحت قديمة ومعروفة الآن بعد مرور أكثر من ثلاثين عاما على صدور الكتاب.
استوقفتني بعض الفقرات المهمة وذات الدلالة التي توضح طبيعة العلاقة بين الكيان الإسرائيلي والولايات المتحدة، وطبيعة الدور الذي تقوم به "إسرائيل" في المنطقة. وما لفت نظري إلى هذه الفقرات هو أننا سمعنا كلاما مشابها لها أو قريبا منها على لسان المسئولين الإسرائيليين في بداية وأثناء حرب طوفان الأقصى (أكتوبر 2023) التي مرّ عليها الآن أكثر من عشرين شهرا ولازالت مشتعلة، فما تم التخطيط له منذ نشأة هذا الكيان تجري الآن محاولة تنفيذه بقسوة وبشراسة لم يسبق لها مثيل في التاريخ، والإبادة الجماعية التي تجري الآن في قطاع غزة خير شاهد على ذلك.
هذه الفقرات المهمة وردت في الفصل قبل الأخير من الكتاب وهي على الترتيب:
(1)
"في سبتمبر سنة 1981، بعد ثلاثة أشهر من الغارة على أزيراك، وصل أريل شارون – الذي عينه مناحيم بيجين وزيرا للدفاع – إلى واشنطن مع بيجين لتقديم جدول أعمال بعيد المدى للتعاون الاستراتيجي الإسرائيلي الأمريكي. وستصبح بمقتضاه إسرائيل الشريك العسكري لأمريكا وذراعها العسكرية في الشرق الأوسط والخليج الفارسي وتعمل كمخزن للأسلحة والذخيرة المخزونة مسبقا لتستخدمها القوات الأمريكية".
(2)
"خلال الأشهر التالية وجد شارون وسيلة لتنفيذ أهدافه الاستراتيجية بدون مساعدة واشنطن، فقد قاد إسرائيل بتأييد من بيجين لغزو لبنان في محاولة لتدمير منظمة التحرير الفلسطينية واستغلال الهيمنة الإسرائيلية من أجل تغيير البناء السياسي للشرق الأوسط".
(3)
"وبعد عدة أسابيع من عودته من واشنطن في أوائل خريف 1981 دعا شارون كبار قادة جيش الدفاع الإسرائيلي وأبلغهم للمرة الأولى بالخطط التفصيلية لتنفيذ جدول أعماله السياسي، فسوف تقوم إسرائيل بغزو لبنان، ويتذكر ضابط كان حاضرا أنه وآخرين استاءوا من سماع شارون وهو يتحدث عن ضرورة الدخول في لبنان وتدمير عاصمة الإرهاب. وتحدث عن الذراع الطويلة لجيش الدفاع الإسرائيلي وضرورة "تغيير الأنظمة في العالم العربي ولا نكتفي بالكلمات". وأضاف الضابط: لقد كنت أجلس مع مجموعة من الضباط وقلت: سوف يقودنا لحرب في الشرق الأوسط، وتصاعدت ضحكات عصبية في أرجاء المكان".
(4)
"وتضمن حديث شارون عنصرا آخر أكثر وضوحا، فقد عاد من واشنطن معاديا للأمريكيين بشكل لم ألحظه من قبل، وأعطانا انطباعه عن واشنطن وقال: "إن الأمريكيين يعاملوننا مثل حاملة طائرات ولا يفهمون دلالتنا، فنحن لسنا حاملة طائرات واحدة، فنحن عشرون حاملة طائرات ونحن أكثر أهمية مما يعتقدون وفي وسعنا أن نأخذ الشرق الأوسط معنا حيث نذهب".
انتهت الاقتباسات... ولا تعليق!
December 31, 2025
Question of Israel's nuclear arsenal is something that is not discussed and officially does not exist. So imagine my surprise when I came across this book that does not just note that it exists but that it is so big and sophisticated that this program is up there with US, Russian programs, and [today] China's program.
Formation of Israel is closely intertwined with almost constant war. And this goes way before the WW2 (as evidenced by testimonies of Sabras like Yigal Allon). Horrible events of WW2 caused movement of huge numbers of refugees toward the now state of Israel and very soon state of Israel was born. Do note that I am trying not to conflate the religion of Judaism (and its view of Israel) and actual state of Israel (which is supposed to be secular state).
From the beginning Israel was at war. As I said not so subtle Zionist actions before and during WW2 did aggravate a lot of Arab population. Also actions of expelling Arabs from their territories after independence did not help. High level of militancy allowed Israel to survive, develop technologically (I was surprised when I read about the very high prestige Israel had even in 1950's when it comes to electronics) but always on the brink of possible catastrophe if their enemies manage somehow to break through.
So they decided to develop the nuclear weapons. And they started this very, very early on.
Now, the pursuit of the nuclear capability is not something to judge - in my opinion world would be a much fairer place if everyone had these weapons (you have them and wanna use them, be my guest, nice knowing you). At least that is much better option than having hypocritical non-proliferation treaties, arguing for it and pushing people around for it while silently and intentionally overlooking your client states obtaining it. Book clearly shows how US politicians - some driven through need for votes and influence of Jewish diaspora in US, others through pure sympathy for state of Israel (and as current events show through some very strong [Christian] religious moments) - decided to overlook the issue of close client/ally state arming itself with nuclear weapons in spite of all the public talk to curb such developments.
Development of Dimona center, and later development of miniaturized warheads for artillery and nuclear mines show very high technical level of expertise. But even this is not developed in house - lots of information was simply stolen, again due to the fact of dual loyalty issues. Very deep weapon proliferation and sale ties allowed Israel to find an almost perfect accomplice - South Africa. Big country with lots of space for testing and further development and rich in nuclear ore. I can only say, who knows what types of weapons were developed and produced and, during 1980's/90's (time when US industry suddenly started working very closely with Israeli arms industry), shared with US. This does not happen in vacuum.
But during all of this Israel managed to basically compromise anyone and everyone with any Jewish links (be it family heritage, religious or just sympathy and willing to do something for them) that it borders on crime if you ask me. Same as the IT industry confirmed every bit of cliche linked to it and people that make it, starting from 2020 'til now (awkward, almost cult-like, loving and venerating some very doubtful persons and business moves to the level of after-me-flood approaches) so did Israel paint a very large target on back of anyone who ever had ties with the state, people or religion. Shame.
And what happened as time went by? Contempt for Israel's neighbors only grew as Israel's might kept growing, including nuclear weapons - one more proof that only raw power is what earns respect - and it started to see itself as dominating power in the area from Central and North Africa up to the Black Sea. It takes very little to have ones appetites grow. And while Cold War curbed a lot of this, end of Cold War allowed creation of the world where US and its allies (including Israel) started fully and un-apologetically to dominate their areas.
Again, does Israel need nuclear weapons? They feel they do, they should have it. But once Rubicon is crossed, let us not pretend everything is back to square one. It is not. I am not sure if dog is wagging the tail or tail is wagging the dog, but recent events have shown pretty bad links between US and Israel. What started as necessity to survive evolved into weapon of intimidation and control of very large area. Sheer audacity and level of demands (I mean Israel wanted dedicated, Israel based, fully secured (out of USA ability to read) and controlled NSA receiver station for KH11 satellite? what?) while giving very harsh and ugly comments on US government (ad-hominem and institutions, from Eisenhower onward) when US dare to put their national interests first, and the level of smugness and superiority, while constantly playing double games ......... I mean, if it works it works, all the power to them, and US, allowing it, seems to be OK with it, so keep it on, BDSM is a very strange kink.
But once this goes down.......
Samson Option is called that because if Israel cannot survive nobody will. This is in core of nuclear policies of lots of nuclear powers, mind you, if not all, but it does not make it right for the rest of the world. All it takes is a single event of uncontrolled action and all is gone. One can throw ash on oneself and moan and weep and cry the life out of oneself, but when that happens it is done, over. I always admired Israel for their discipline and stoicism, but militarism without wisdom is idiocy. It is nothing more than seeking fight in a bar full of drunk weight lifters, keep pushing and yes antidote will pop up. Diplomacy, and at least respectful treatment of ones allies and neighbors, needs to come back after more than 30 years of disregard. With the level of militancy and aggressiveness shown in this book (and it only became worse since then, almost 24 years ago) nothing good can come out, not only for the countries in question (everyone makes their decisions) but world in general.
Very disturbing and very informative book. Highly, highly recommended.
Formation of Israel is closely intertwined with almost constant war. And this goes way before the WW2 (as evidenced by testimonies of Sabras like Yigal Allon). Horrible events of WW2 caused movement of huge numbers of refugees toward the now state of Israel and very soon state of Israel was born. Do note that I am trying not to conflate the religion of Judaism (and its view of Israel) and actual state of Israel (which is supposed to be secular state).
From the beginning Israel was at war. As I said not so subtle Zionist actions before and during WW2 did aggravate a lot of Arab population. Also actions of expelling Arabs from their territories after independence did not help. High level of militancy allowed Israel to survive, develop technologically (I was surprised when I read about the very high prestige Israel had even in 1950's when it comes to electronics) but always on the brink of possible catastrophe if their enemies manage somehow to break through.
So they decided to develop the nuclear weapons. And they started this very, very early on.
Now, the pursuit of the nuclear capability is not something to judge - in my opinion world would be a much fairer place if everyone had these weapons (you have them and wanna use them, be my guest, nice knowing you). At least that is much better option than having hypocritical non-proliferation treaties, arguing for it and pushing people around for it while silently and intentionally overlooking your client states obtaining it. Book clearly shows how US politicians - some driven through need for votes and influence of Jewish diaspora in US, others through pure sympathy for state of Israel (and as current events show through some very strong [Christian] religious moments) - decided to overlook the issue of close client/ally state arming itself with nuclear weapons in spite of all the public talk to curb such developments.
Development of Dimona center, and later development of miniaturized warheads for artillery and nuclear mines show very high technical level of expertise. But even this is not developed in house - lots of information was simply stolen, again due to the fact of dual loyalty issues. Very deep weapon proliferation and sale ties allowed Israel to find an almost perfect accomplice - South Africa. Big country with lots of space for testing and further development and rich in nuclear ore. I can only say, who knows what types of weapons were developed and produced and, during 1980's/90's (time when US industry suddenly started working very closely with Israeli arms industry), shared with US. This does not happen in vacuum.
But during all of this Israel managed to basically compromise anyone and everyone with any Jewish links (be it family heritage, religious or just sympathy and willing to do something for them) that it borders on crime if you ask me. Same as the IT industry confirmed every bit of cliche linked to it and people that make it, starting from 2020 'til now (awkward, almost cult-like, loving and venerating some very doubtful persons and business moves to the level of after-me-flood approaches) so did Israel paint a very large target on back of anyone who ever had ties with the state, people or religion. Shame.
And what happened as time went by? Contempt for Israel's neighbors only grew as Israel's might kept growing, including nuclear weapons - one more proof that only raw power is what earns respect - and it started to see itself as dominating power in the area from Central and North Africa up to the Black Sea. It takes very little to have ones appetites grow. And while Cold War curbed a lot of this, end of Cold War allowed creation of the world where US and its allies (including Israel) started fully and un-apologetically to dominate their areas.
Again, does Israel need nuclear weapons? They feel they do, they should have it. But once Rubicon is crossed, let us not pretend everything is back to square one. It is not. I am not sure if dog is wagging the tail or tail is wagging the dog, but recent events have shown pretty bad links between US and Israel. What started as necessity to survive evolved into weapon of intimidation and control of very large area. Sheer audacity and level of demands (I mean Israel wanted dedicated, Israel based, fully secured (out of USA ability to read) and controlled NSA receiver station for KH11 satellite? what?) while giving very harsh and ugly comments on US government (ad-hominem and institutions, from Eisenhower onward) when US dare to put their national interests first, and the level of smugness and superiority, while constantly playing double games ......... I mean, if it works it works, all the power to them, and US, allowing it, seems to be OK with it, so keep it on, BDSM is a very strange kink.
But once this goes down.......
Samson Option is called that because if Israel cannot survive nobody will. This is in core of nuclear policies of lots of nuclear powers, mind you, if not all, but it does not make it right for the rest of the world. All it takes is a single event of uncontrolled action and all is gone. One can throw ash on oneself and moan and weep and cry the life out of oneself, but when that happens it is done, over. I always admired Israel for their discipline and stoicism, but militarism without wisdom is idiocy. It is nothing more than seeking fight in a bar full of drunk weight lifters, keep pushing and yes antidote will pop up. Diplomacy, and at least respectful treatment of ones allies and neighbors, needs to come back after more than 30 years of disregard. With the level of militancy and aggressiveness shown in this book (and it only became worse since then, almost 24 years ago) nothing good can come out, not only for the countries in question (everyone makes their decisions) but world in general.
Very disturbing and very informative book. Highly, highly recommended.
April 28, 2016
Seymour Hersh is an excellent journalist and is in the top 1% of investigative journalists. This book was an easy read where the narrative flowed smoothly and kept my attention. The subject was one which I was greatly interested in and Hersh did not disappoint. He delivered fact after fact backed up by his sources. The bar for 5 stars is set very high for me so I am rating this 4 stars...a really great read!
June 24, 2025
كتاب تاريخى عن الترسانة النووية الإسرائيلية أرشحه للقراء بمختلف الأذواق والاهتمامات
"إن الجدل ليس حول سياسة الدفاع أو القنبلة النووية ولكن حول إيمان بن جوريون الثابت بإن إسرائيل يمكنها البقاء فقط بالاعتماد على الدولة وليس الروح التطوعية التقليدية للحركة الصهيونية ومن وجهة نظر بن جوريون فإن الكيبوتزات وحزب الماباى والهاجاناة من أيام حرب ١٩٤٨ الذين كانوا جميعا من متطوعين يؤمنون بالقضية يجب أن يفسحوا الطريق للمؤسسات العالمية والتعليم العام العالمى والتصعيد على أساس المناقشة وليس الانتساب الحزبى"
"إن الجدل ليس حول سياسة الدفاع أو القنبلة النووية ولكن حول إيمان بن جوريون الثابت بإن إسرائيل يمكنها البقاء فقط بالاعتماد على الدولة وليس الروح التطوعية التقليدية للحركة الصهيونية ومن وجهة نظر بن جوريون فإن الكيبوتزات وحزب الماباى والهاجاناة من أيام حرب ١٩٤٨ الذين كانوا جميعا من متطوعين يؤمنون بالقضية يجب أن يفسحوا الطريق للمؤسسات العالمية والتعليم العام العالمى والتصعيد على أساس المناقشة وليس الانتساب الحزبى"
Read
September 1, 2018ما قرأته كان اصدار لدار الكتاب العربي في سنة ١٩٩٢ اختير له عنوان مثير وهو "الخيار شمشون" تمثلا بكتاب للمؤلف والصحفي سيمور هيرش بعنوانه الأصلي في نسخته الأنجليزية بإسم " The Samson Option: Israel's Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy" وهنا أقسم (بشد وكسر السين) انطباعي عن ما قرأت الى جزئين :
الأول: أن ما بين دفتي هذا الكتاب معلومات مهمة تحديدا لكل عربي يؤمن بحق بقضايا امته ولكل انسان يؤمن بتحقيق العدالة لقضايا الشعوب المضطهدة وعلى رأسها قضية فلسطين المحتلة وشعبها المقاوم ، فلمحرر لم يدخر جهدا في نقل كل ما يبين تورط مؤسسات الكيان الصهيوني وجهازه الاستخباراتي المتمثل بكياناته المعروفة وعلى رأسها الموساد، في أحداث غيرت مجرى التاريخ والتي تضمنت في سبيل الذكر لا الحصر التجسس، الاعتداء على سيادة الدول والقيام بسلسلة من الجرائم شملت ولم تقتصر على التفجير، القتل، السرقة، الابتزاز ، الدعارة، دعم الارهاب ... الخ، تحت زعم حماية أمن واستقرار كيانها المحتل لأرض فلسطين منذ ١٩٤٨ .
الثاني: يتعلق بأمانة النقل الأدبي ، الحقوق الفكرية وحق القارئ والمؤلف في أن يتم الاطلاع على المادة ككل في سياقها الأصلي، والصحيح أن الكتاب الذي أصدرته دار الكتاب العربي في ١٧٤ صفحة هو عبارة عن فصول مختارة من عدة كتب منها (كتاب الخيار شمشون لسيمور هرش ، كتاب عن طريق الخداع لفيكتور اوستروفسكي وكتاب أمراء الموساد ليوسي ميلمان اضافة الى عدة مقالات صحفية) وان كنت لا أحبذ مثل هذا "القص واللزق" الأقرب الى كونه اعداد لتقرير او مرفقات تقرير منه الى كونه كتاب منجز بتمامه، الا ان ذلك وحده لم يكن سبب استيائي وانما اطلاق عنوان احد تلك الكتب القيمة - بل تم اختيار أهمها الذي قدم في نسخته الاصلية الصادرة بالإنجليزية تحقيقا ومادة متكاملة بذل مؤلفها المجهود الكبير في البحث والتقصي واخرجه باطاره المتسق - ، على كتاب "تجميع" وايهام القارئ العربي للوهلة الاولى بأن ما يقدم له هو ترجمة امينة لأحد أهم ا��كتب، في حين أن ما قدم ههنا يدل على افتقار مهني الى الأمانة الأدبية/الفكرية في النقل، الأمر الذي لا أستطيع معه أن أقييم الكتاب او احكم عليه باعتماد عنوانه هذا ، الا بعد قراءة الكتاب (الكتب) الاصلي الكامل المحتوى والصادر بلغتة الانجليزية (او لغتها الأصلية) بتمامها، جل ما قدمه الكتاب هو اطلاعي على فصول مترجمة لكتب مهمة سيتعين علي قراءتها كلها بمضمونها الأصلي لاحقا!!
الكتاب يصلح مقدمة او تلخيص لمجموعة من اهم عمليات الموساد الصهيوني في الشرق الأوسط والولايات المتحدة.
محتوى مهم وان كنت افضل قراءة الكتب بنسخها ومحتوياتها الاصلية لا ككتاب تجميع من كتب أخرى(طبع ولصق).
الأول: أن ما بين دفتي هذا الكتاب معلومات مهمة تحديدا لكل عربي يؤمن بحق بقضايا امته ولكل انسان يؤمن بتحقيق العدالة لقضايا الشعوب المضطهدة وعلى رأسها قضية فلسطين المحتلة وشعبها المقاوم ، فلمحرر لم يدخر جهدا في نقل كل ما يبين تورط مؤسسات الكيان الصهيوني وجهازه الاستخباراتي المتمثل بكياناته المعروفة وعلى رأسها الموساد، في أحداث غيرت مجرى التاريخ والتي تضمنت في سبيل الذكر لا الحصر التجسس، الاعتداء على سيادة الدول والقيام بسلسلة من الجرائم شملت ولم تقتصر على التفجير، القتل، السرقة، الابتزاز ، الدعارة، دعم الارهاب ... الخ، تحت زعم حماية أمن واستقرار كيانها المحتل لأرض فلسطين منذ ١٩٤٨ .
الثاني: يتعلق بأمانة النقل الأدبي ، الحقوق الفكرية وحق القارئ والمؤلف في أن يتم الاطلاع على المادة ككل في سياقها الأصلي، والصحيح أن الكتاب الذي أصدرته دار الكتاب العربي في ١٧٤ صفحة هو عبارة عن فصول مختارة من عدة كتب منها (كتاب الخيار شمشون لسيمور هرش ، كتاب عن طريق الخداع لفيكتور اوستروفسكي وكتاب أمراء الموساد ليوسي ميلمان اضافة الى عدة مقالات صحفية) وان كنت لا أحبذ مثل هذا "القص واللزق" الأقرب الى كونه اعداد لتقرير او مرفقات تقرير منه الى كونه كتاب منجز بتمامه، الا ان ذلك وحده لم يكن سبب استيائي وانما اطلاق عنوان احد تلك الكتب القيمة - بل تم اختيار أهمها الذي قدم في نسخته الاصلية الصادرة بالإنجليزية تحقيقا ومادة متكاملة بذل مؤلفها المجهود الكبير في البحث والتقصي واخرجه باطاره المتسق - ، على كتاب "تجميع" وايهام القارئ العربي للوهلة الاولى بأن ما يقدم له هو ترجمة امينة لأحد أهم ا��كتب، في حين أن ما قدم ههنا يدل على افتقار مهني الى الأمانة الأدبية/الفكرية في النقل، الأمر الذي لا أستطيع معه أن أقييم الكتاب او احكم عليه باعتماد عنوانه هذا ، الا بعد قراءة الكتاب (الكتب) الاصلي الكامل المحتوى والصادر بلغتة الانجليزية (او لغتها الأصلية) بتمامها، جل ما قدمه الكتاب هو اطلاعي على فصول مترجمة لكتب مهمة سيتعين علي قراءتها كلها بمضمونها الأصلي لاحقا!!
الكتاب يصلح مقدمة او تلخيص لمجموعة من اهم عمليات الموساد الصهيوني في الشرق الأوسط والولايات المتحدة.
محتوى مهم وان كنت افضل قراءة الكتب بنسخها ومحتوياتها الاصلية لا ككتاب تجميع من كتب أخرى(طبع ولصق).
May 21, 2023
It would have been impossible for a non-Jewish author to write this book without being bombarded with the usual bogus accusations of antisemitism whenever the Jewish apartheid state is criticized (although I suspect Hersh might have suffered the other usual charge of being a self-hating Jew).
This book beautifully illustrates the magnificent hypocrisy of the American regime - no matter which party has the majority - which is beholden to the Jewish and pro-Israel lobbies. If anything, this book, although mentioning these lobbies, massively understates their influence.
In short, this book goes through the process in which a clandestine nuclear weapons program was developed in the Jewish apartheid state, a rogue state run by genocidal psychopaths, through the use of spies with dual loyalty (or rather singular loyalty, albeit not to their actual homeland, like in the case of Jonathan Pollard) and lying though their teeth. The influence of the Jewish and pro-Israel lobbies ensured that they would face no punishment, in fact they would be rewarded.
So listening to American politicians screaming their heads off about for example the alleged Iranian nuclear weapons program (fully in line with the agenda of the Jewish and pro-Israel lobbies) reeks of the usual hypocrisy when the so-called "West" deals with the Jewish apartheid state.
This book beautifully illustrates the magnificent hypocrisy of the American regime - no matter which party has the majority - which is beholden to the Jewish and pro-Israel lobbies. If anything, this book, although mentioning these lobbies, massively understates their influence.
In short, this book goes through the process in which a clandestine nuclear weapons program was developed in the Jewish apartheid state, a rogue state run by genocidal psychopaths, through the use of spies with dual loyalty (or rather singular loyalty, albeit not to their actual homeland, like in the case of Jonathan Pollard) and lying though their teeth. The influence of the Jewish and pro-Israel lobbies ensured that they would face no punishment, in fact they would be rewarded.
So listening to American politicians screaming their heads off about for example the alleged Iranian nuclear weapons program (fully in line with the agenda of the Jewish and pro-Israel lobbies) reeks of the usual hypocrisy when the so-called "West" deals with the Jewish apartheid state.
September 7, 2024
A good read about how Israel lied and deceived it's way into becoming a nuclear threat.
From secretly working with the French on nuclear weapons, teaming up with apartheid South Africa to test bombs & passing along nuclear information to stealing sensitive intelligence from Uncle Sam who was busy looking the other way even when it knew (never to the public knowledge of course) of Israel having the nuke, the author gives a glimpse of the colonialists cooperation through the cold war.
My main complaint with the book is that the author conflates all zionists actions and ideologies to be "Jewish" actions and ideologies. Learning the difference between the two can help contain the spread of anti-semitism as well to lead to a critical understanding of what zionism is and what it doesn't represent (Judaism). With that note aside, highly recommend the book for the facts and information presented.
From secretly working with the French on nuclear weapons, teaming up with apartheid South Africa to test bombs & passing along nuclear information to stealing sensitive intelligence from Uncle Sam who was busy looking the other way even when it knew (never to the public knowledge of course) of Israel having the nuke, the author gives a glimpse of the colonialists cooperation through the cold war.
My main complaint with the book is that the author conflates all zionists actions and ideologies to be "Jewish" actions and ideologies. Learning the difference between the two can help contain the spread of anti-semitism as well to lead to a critical understanding of what zionism is and what it doesn't represent (Judaism). With that note aside, highly recommend the book for the facts and information presented.
March 9, 2025
الخيار شمشون كتاب يحكي فيه الصحفي سيمور هيرش عن السلاح النووي الإسرائيلي وكيف ومتى بدأ وأين انتهى متناولا التعمية الأمريكية المتعمدة عن المشروع الذي كانت الادلة الكاشفة له أكبر من تختفي ولكن أجهزة الاستخبارات الأمريكية والمسؤولين الأمريكين اختاروا الطرمخة والتناوم عنه كما يتناول الكتاب أحداث بوجهة نظر جديدة حول الجسر الجوي الأمريكي للأسلحة المقدمة إلى إسرائيل في حرب أكتوبر التي لحست فيها إسرائيل التراب بدعوى أن ذلك كان من اجل عدم استخدام الأسلحة النووية (هذا شيءغير منطقي بشكل ما لان اول التجارب النووية لإسرائيل مع جنوب إفريقيا كانت بعد تاريخ الحرب بسنوات) وكذلك الزعم بوجود ألغام نووية في الجولان ( هي أشياء لا تختفي )
ولكن بالمجمل هو كتاب مهم وفاضح
ولكن بالمجمل هو كتاب مهم وفاضح
September 30, 2021
Finally got around to reading this. I started a few years ago and never finished, so I started over. All I have to say is, it’s a miracle nobody has been killed, friend and foe (yet) by the Zionists’ nuclear arsenal, because they no longer have to rely on the Sampson Option, as their only option. The United States has been Israel’s Tool for over 50 years! 😡
December 23, 2024
I learned a lot from this book about the relationship between Israel and the United States regarding Israels' striving to become a nuclear power. I found it hard to remember who all the different people were in the US government as it was my first time reading about them but I certainly understood the big picture and found it very interesting how each administration acted (or not) towards Israel.
June 7, 2025
This explosive story is as surprising to read about today as it likely was when it was first published. As incredible as it may seem that Israel was able to aquire nuclear weapons in the first place, the true crux of this book is how Israel was able to cover up the scale of their nuclear operation and how they were able to get away with it for decades.
July 7, 2025
Written in 1991, Israel’s national mindset was/is ‘never again’ and the philosophy behind their nuclear program (Samson Option) if we go down we’re taking everyone with us. Secrecy of development treated with willful ignorance by the US for decades up to and including the disastrous Bush policies.
September 24, 2017
really solid journalism, and certainly the best book on israel's nuclear program, but about as dry as they come.
November 13, 2022
The best book on how Israel acquired nuclear weapons and the ambiguity of its nuclear policy
June 22, 2025
Wouldn’t recommend unless you want to read apologia for Israeli misdeeds
January 18, 2021
Probably the most informative book you're going to find dedicated to the question of Israeli nuclear policy, I picked it up to answer some obscure questions about the Yom Kippur war and it didn't disappoint in clarifying them to the extent that was necessary; the rest of it was a nice bonus.
March 18, 2010
This book was very dry, quite boring and seemed somewhat anti-Semetic if you ask me. That being said, I am 32 years old and didn't know that it was ever a secret for Israel to become a nuclear power. It was sorta interesting to see how the politics were conducted behind-the-scenes. Man, I hate politics! I really think it's all one big conspiracy. Anyway, now I know somewhat about Isreal and their determination to not be wiped off the face of the earth. I love me the Jews so, hey, good on ya's!
May 15, 2012
كتاب خطير جداً عن القوى النووية الاسرائيلية... لما تعرف ان اسرائيل عاملة شبكة صواريخ نووية حوالين القدس... وزرعة الغام نووية ف الجولان... وفحرب اكتوبر كانت بتخطط لضرب القاهرة ودمشق بالقنابل النووية...
من اهم مهام الرئيس القادم هى العمل على انشاء ترسنة نووية مصرية او بمعنى اصح سلاح الردع... وإلا فعلياً اسرائيل حتفضل متحكمة فينا حتى بعد خلع مبارك
من اهم مهام الرئيس القادم هى العمل على انشاء ترسنة نووية مصرية او بمعنى اصح سلاح الردع... وإلا فعلياً اسرائيل حتفضل متحكمة فينا حتى بعد خلع مبارك
August 25, 2012
Seymour Hersh at his best! Brilliant!
October 13, 2014
كتاب رائع يكشف إحدى أكثر الأمور غموضا في هذا العالم: الترسانة النووية الإسرائيلية.
Read
November 8, 2015ان لم تطلع على هذا الكتاب فاعلم ان نتنياهو منعك.
December 14, 2015
good book
January 31, 2017
a good book full of a lot of information ,but sometimes i feel it is not in order
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews