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Raid on the Sun: Inside Israel's Secret Campaign that Denied Saddam the Bomb
The first authorized inside account of one of the most daring—and successful—military operations in recent history
From the earliest days of his dictatorship, Saddam Hussein had vowed to destroy Israel. So when France sold Iraq a top-of-the-line nuclear reactor in 1975, the Israelis were justifiably concerned—especially when they discovered that Iraqi scientists had already formulated a secret program to extract weapons-grade plutonium from the reactor, a first critical step in creating an atomic bomb. The reactor formed the heart of a huge nuclear plant situated twelve miles from Baghdad, 1,100 kilometers from Tel Aviv. By 1981, the reactor was on the verge of becoming “hot,” and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin knew he would have to confront its deadly potential. He turned to Israeli Air Force commander General David Ivry to secretly plan a daring surgical strike on the reactor—a never-before-contemplated mission that would prove to be one of the most remarkable military operations of all time.
Written with the full and exclusive cooperation of the Israeli Air Force high command, General Ivry (ret.), and all of the eight mission pilots (including Ilan Ramon, who become Israel’s first astronaut and perished tragically in the shuttle Columbia disaster), Raid on the Sun tells the extraordinary story of how Israel plotted the defying its U.S. and European allies to eliminate Iraq’s nuclear threat. In the tradition of Black Hawk Down, journalist Rodger Claire re-creates a gripping tale of personal sacrifice and survival, of young pilots who trained in the United States on the then-new, radically sophisticated F-16 fighter bombers, then faced a nearly insurmountable how to fly the 1,000-plus-kilometer mission to Baghdad and back on one tank of fuel. He recounts Israeli intelligence’s incredible “black ops” to sabotage construction on the French reactor and eliminate Iraqi nuclear scientists, and he gives the reader a pilot’s-eye view of the action on June 7, 1981, when the planes roared off a runway on the Sinai Peninsula for the first successful destruction of a nuclear reactor in history.
From the earliest days of his dictatorship, Saddam Hussein had vowed to destroy Israel. So when France sold Iraq a top-of-the-line nuclear reactor in 1975, the Israelis were justifiably concerned—especially when they discovered that Iraqi scientists had already formulated a secret program to extract weapons-grade plutonium from the reactor, a first critical step in creating an atomic bomb. The reactor formed the heart of a huge nuclear plant situated twelve miles from Baghdad, 1,100 kilometers from Tel Aviv. By 1981, the reactor was on the verge of becoming “hot,” and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin knew he would have to confront its deadly potential. He turned to Israeli Air Force commander General David Ivry to secretly plan a daring surgical strike on the reactor—a never-before-contemplated mission that would prove to be one of the most remarkable military operations of all time.
Written with the full and exclusive cooperation of the Israeli Air Force high command, General Ivry (ret.), and all of the eight mission pilots (including Ilan Ramon, who become Israel’s first astronaut and perished tragically in the shuttle Columbia disaster), Raid on the Sun tells the extraordinary story of how Israel plotted the defying its U.S. and European allies to eliminate Iraq’s nuclear threat. In the tradition of Black Hawk Down, journalist Rodger Claire re-creates a gripping tale of personal sacrifice and survival, of young pilots who trained in the United States on the then-new, radically sophisticated F-16 fighter bombers, then faced a nearly insurmountable how to fly the 1,000-plus-kilometer mission to Baghdad and back on one tank of fuel. He recounts Israeli intelligence’s incredible “black ops” to sabotage construction on the French reactor and eliminate Iraqi nuclear scientists, and he gives the reader a pilot’s-eye view of the action on June 7, 1981, when the planes roared off a runway on the Sinai Peninsula for the first successful destruction of a nuclear reactor in history.
259 pages, Hardcover
Published April 13, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
December 19, 2014
This was an abridged audio version that, under 6 hrs, is perfect for listening during a single session (long drive, at work, etc). It chronicles the details of the 1981 Israeli Air Force raid that destroyed an Iraqi nuclear plant before it could go online. Saddam claimed it was for peaceful power generation, but also was a key part of their nuclear weapon research efforts.
It starts with a brief history of Saddam's history and rise to power, some Mossad covert operations to get information needed to ensure destroying it before going online, Israeli political support/opposition, and the raid itself. It's reads a lot like a Tom Clancy techno-thriller, but is based on actual events. When it gets to the details of the raid itself, it's very fast-paced. This would make a great film with all the intrigue, politics and action
It starts with a brief history of Saddam's history and rise to power, some Mossad covert operations to get information needed to ensure destroying it before going online, Israeli political support/opposition, and the raid itself. It's reads a lot like a Tom Clancy techno-thriller, but is based on actual events. When it gets to the details of the raid itself, it's very fast-paced. This would make a great film with all the intrigue, politics and action
February 24, 2015
Interesting account of the Israeli raid. Not the best non-fiction read, however.
June 3, 2018
The subtitle of the book is an accurate description of the content of Raid On The Sun. The author writes a comprehensive account of Saddam Hussein’s effort to acquire a nuclear weapons capability and Israel’s actions to thwart the effort. The book reads like an action packed novel at times. At other times it is presents historical narrative that gives context to the suspenseful sections. Overall it is well researched and well written.
The historical narrative includes information about the rise of the modern state of Israel and the security challenges that it constantly faces. It provides information about the youth and the rise of Saddam Hussein. We also are told of Hussein’s brutal hold on power, his willingness to destroy domestic rivals, and his stark ambition to make Iraq a regional nuclear power.
Claire’s description of Israel and Iraq’s respective secret efforts to develop a nuclear capability is riveting. These efforts are marked by intrigue, danger, terror, and murder. In the case of France, we learn of her secret agreement to provide Hussein with a nuclear weapons making capability that included weapons grade plutonium and a modern reactor to produce its own weapons grade plutonium.
The ruthlessness of the Mossad is featured as well. In addition, Israel is able to illegally leverage U.S. intelligence assets and F-16 capabilities to conduct the raid. Throughout the book there is a steady stream of information about the planning and execution of the raid. Eight highly modified F-16s are used, piloted by Israel’s best pilots. The description of the raid itself is excellent. Anyone interested in modern Middle Eastern military history will enjoy this book.
The historical narrative includes information about the rise of the modern state of Israel and the security challenges that it constantly faces. It provides information about the youth and the rise of Saddam Hussein. We also are told of Hussein’s brutal hold on power, his willingness to destroy domestic rivals, and his stark ambition to make Iraq a regional nuclear power.
Claire’s description of Israel and Iraq’s respective secret efforts to develop a nuclear capability is riveting. These efforts are marked by intrigue, danger, terror, and murder. In the case of France, we learn of her secret agreement to provide Hussein with a nuclear weapons making capability that included weapons grade plutonium and a modern reactor to produce its own weapons grade plutonium.
The ruthlessness of the Mossad is featured as well. In addition, Israel is able to illegally leverage U.S. intelligence assets and F-16 capabilities to conduct the raid. Throughout the book there is a steady stream of information about the planning and execution of the raid. Eight highly modified F-16s are used, piloted by Israel’s best pilots. The description of the raid itself is excellent. Anyone interested in modern Middle Eastern military history will enjoy this book.
March 20, 2026
When you're a trivia nerd, like I am, who loves to learn about different things, you appreciate a book like this one. So much interesting detail and knowledge packed into one book, teaching you not only about the event itself, but about culture and countries and history.
I enjoyed this a lot and loved learning the ins and outs of this insanely brave mission that the Israelis pulled off in a move of desperate self-preservation. You have to wonder how some people are born with a different level of courage and how these men did what they did.
A nail-biting story for those who like adventure and a wild piece of history for those who want to understand the world.
I enjoyed this a lot and loved learning the ins and outs of this insanely brave mission that the Israelis pulled off in a move of desperate self-preservation. You have to wonder how some people are born with a different level of courage and how these men did what they did.
A nail-biting story for those who like adventure and a wild piece of history for those who want to understand the world.
May 7, 2025
This is the Top Gun 2 mission! If you thought the screenplay was original, you were sorely mistaken. Fly low, pop up, dive down, bomb, climb, and avoid AA fire—it’s all there. It wasn’t hard to make the connection but it was crystal clear when the training commander strong armed his way onto the mission. In this case, art imitated life.
March 22, 2022
Good deal of history on middle east atomic development and politics. Many details of the training and execution of air strike against Hussain's reactor.
July 3, 2024
Slow to start (and tbh most of it went over my head) but quickly picked up and was very interesting! I learned a lot!
January 5, 2013
What's always amazed me about this moment in history is that despite out pivotal it was it has barely registered as a footnote.
In 2003 when we went back into Iraq part of the reason was Hussein's weapons of mass destruction program. When the absolute beyond a shadow of doubt proof wasn't found that satisfy even the most skeptical cynic (don't get me started on the mobile chemical labs to make "insecticide") the argument suddenly became that he never had a WMD program and that this was all just the actions of a cowboy president.
This book takes the trip back in time to when Iraq was attempting to build a nuclear reactor strictly for the function of creating plutonium to build atomic bombs. Given Israel's normal level of classification around such events this is an amazing read. The author had complete access to all the participants and was able to create wild ride read. The attention to detail, secrecy and high level of rehearsal that went into this raid was mind boggling. The one funny thing that I learned was that Israel did with the F16 Fighting Falcon what its manufacturer, General Dynamics, said couldn't be down: a mission flown that far without refueling.
The book is a page turner even though you already know the outcome. As you start reading the details you can easily find yourself reading on to find out how they overcame the next obstacle. The interesting way that the book is laid out is that the chapters alternate between the preparation and the actual mission.
The other interesting point is that history seems to have come full circle as we now find ourselves confronting Iran over its nuclear program. Somehow this all sees like daja vu.
I would recommend this book for anyone who likes to read books in the genre of military history such as Blackhawk Down.
In 2003 when we went back into Iraq part of the reason was Hussein's weapons of mass destruction program. When the absolute beyond a shadow of doubt proof wasn't found that satisfy even the most skeptical cynic (don't get me started on the mobile chemical labs to make "insecticide") the argument suddenly became that he never had a WMD program and that this was all just the actions of a cowboy president.
This book takes the trip back in time to when Iraq was attempting to build a nuclear reactor strictly for the function of creating plutonium to build atomic bombs. Given Israel's normal level of classification around such events this is an amazing read. The author had complete access to all the participants and was able to create wild ride read. The attention to detail, secrecy and high level of rehearsal that went into this raid was mind boggling. The one funny thing that I learned was that Israel did with the F16 Fighting Falcon what its manufacturer, General Dynamics, said couldn't be down: a mission flown that far without refueling.
The book is a page turner even though you already know the outcome. As you start reading the details you can easily find yourself reading on to find out how they overcame the next obstacle. The interesting way that the book is laid out is that the chapters alternate between the preparation and the actual mission.
The other interesting point is that history seems to have come full circle as we now find ourselves confronting Iran over its nuclear program. Somehow this all sees like daja vu.
I would recommend this book for anyone who likes to read books in the genre of military history such as Blackhawk Down.
March 27, 2019
I really enjoyed this book even though I already knew the story. The author had some fantastic, supposedly unmatched access to records and people involved and he pieces together the story in a great narrative way. My one big gripe about it was the author's (and editors and, I would assume, advisors) lack of understanding of basic weapon system facts. I, personally, found it a bit distracting when I would read about Iraq's "Tupolev" fighters or how the SA-6 (often referred to in the book as the SAM-6) was a "heat seeking" missile and similar details that were/are extremely simple to do a quick fact check on. Beyond that niggling issue for me, I enjoyed this book!
April 28, 2023
RICK “SHAQ” GOLDSTEIN SAYS: CLASSIC TRUE LIFE TALE OF ISRAEL DOING WHAT IT TAKES TO SURVIVE… (PREDICTION: LOOK FOR A REPEAT PERFORMANCE AGAINST IRAN!)
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I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase: “I COULDN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN, AND READ IT COVER TO COVER!” This book for me defined that, and if there really is a dictionary, (With famous phrases.) with the proverbial picture next to it, this book should be next to that phrase! This “TRUE” story, written over twenty years after the unbelievable Israeli bombing mission to destroy Iraq’s nuclear facility, is too fantastic to believe. Why, was this in depth story never told before you may ask? Because Israel refused to talk about it, or release classified information. But now, this book was written with the “FULL” and exclusive cooperation, of the Israeli Air Force high command. I don’t want to give away too much of the book, but it actually gives you information, way ahead of the actual mission also. Such as, Saddam Hussein’s childhood and early years, that led and shaped him into the monster he became, as with the building of this nuclear reactor, and the vow to blow Israel off the face of the earth. It traces all the secret training in Israel, leading up to the historic raid. A titillating, page, early in the book, is an organization chart, of all the Israeli leaders in June 1981, and how they voted, pro or con, for the approval of the mission. This story makes James Bond look like The Hardy Boys. During the training of the pilots, Israel had to dismantle part of the jets, to lower the weight, so they would use less fuel, since the round trip mission from Israel to Iraq and back, had to be done with no refueling. Since I am not a pilot, but fly constantly. I almost felt like I was a passenger, along with the brave Israeli pilots, as they had to fly so close to the ground (100 FEET!) for 600 MILES over Saudi Arabia, to stay under the radar. The pilots had to contend with the rising heat from the desert, that adversely affected the jets. There were also things going on outside of Israel, that had to be done, while training was still taking place, to insure that the Iraqi nuclear reactor wouldn’t go “live”, before the Israeli plan was ready to go into action! These events were so unbelievable, that if you saw it in an Arnold Schwarzenegger, or Clint Eastwood movie, you wouldn’t believe it! A beautiful blonde, pretending to be hit by a car, in front of a French Security gate, where the final pieces of the nuclear reactor were being manufactured. With this “blonde” diversion, Israeli agents got into the French manufacturing facility, to sabotage the piece, needed to finish the reactor. Thereby giving Israeli pilots, and masterminds, more time
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I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase: “I COULDN’T PUT THIS BOOK DOWN, AND READ IT COVER TO COVER!” This book for me defined that, and if there really is a dictionary, (With famous phrases.) with the proverbial picture next to it, this book should be next to that phrase! This “TRUE” story, written over twenty years after the unbelievable Israeli bombing mission to destroy Iraq’s nuclear facility, is too fantastic to believe. Why, was this in depth story never told before you may ask? Because Israel refused to talk about it, or release classified information. But now, this book was written with the “FULL” and exclusive cooperation, of the Israeli Air Force high command. I don’t want to give away too much of the book, but it actually gives you information, way ahead of the actual mission also. Such as, Saddam Hussein’s childhood and early years, that led and shaped him into the monster he became, as with the building of this nuclear reactor, and the vow to blow Israel off the face of the earth. It traces all the secret training in Israel, leading up to the historic raid. A titillating, page, early in the book, is an organization chart, of all the Israeli leaders in June 1981, and how they voted, pro or con, for the approval of the mission. This story makes James Bond look like The Hardy Boys. During the training of the pilots, Israel had to dismantle part of the jets, to lower the weight, so they would use less fuel, since the round trip mission from Israel to Iraq and back, had to be done with no refueling. Since I am not a pilot, but fly constantly. I almost felt like I was a passenger, along with the brave Israeli pilots, as they had to fly so close to the ground (100 FEET!) for 600 MILES over Saudi Arabia, to stay under the radar. The pilots had to contend with the rising heat from the desert, that adversely affected the jets. There were also things going on outside of Israel, that had to be done, while training was still taking place, to insure that the Iraqi nuclear reactor wouldn’t go “live”, before the Israeli plan was ready to go into action! These events were so unbelievable, that if you saw it in an Arnold Schwarzenegger, or Clint Eastwood movie, you wouldn’t believe it! A beautiful blonde, pretending to be hit by a car, in front of a French Security gate, where the final pieces of the nuclear reactor were being manufactured. With this “blonde” diversion, Israeli agents got into the French manufacturing facility, to sabotage the piece, needed to finish the reactor. Thereby giving Israeli pilots, and masterminds, more time
January 1, 2018
An excellent read detailing Iraq's nuclear development program and the Israeli mission to stop it, ending with the bombing of the Iraqi Osirak reactor in a surgical lag-distance strike. It also goes into the criticism and castigation of Israel after the raid and then the quiet thanks in the run up to the Gulf War for Israel preventing Iraq form becoming a nuclear power before it had invaded Kuwait.
A riveting tale of espionage, nuclear secrets, and a 990-mile clandestine flight over hostile territory to destroy the reactor with pinpoint precision forestalling the Iraqi nuclear weapons program.
A riveting tale of espionage, nuclear secrets, and a 990-mile clandestine flight over hostile territory to destroy the reactor with pinpoint precision forestalling the Iraqi nuclear weapons program.
October 23, 2023
This book is very fantastic. Author explains how Israel and their defence forces train and execute close to impossible operation in the history of Israel. Book is based on the real events of Operation Babylon. There are some things I think author has repeated many time which could have been avoided. Other than that book is very interesting and makes sure reader is glued to it. I finished the book in 4 days. Highly recommend reading it.
June 5, 2020
The fruits of hatred between Arabs and Israelis and the fall of Saddam's Osirak, "Operation Opera."
Joshua 10:12 - "On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel:
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”
Read it thrice and I loved it every time
Joshua 10:12 - "On the day the Lord gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the Lord in the presence of Israel:
“Sun, stand still over Gibeon,
and you, moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.”
Read it thrice and I loved it every time
March 29, 2021
An average book marred with over dramatisation and portraying of Israel as a besieged state against the ground realities of Israel being an oppressor in the Middle East. No doubt in pursuance of Iraqi Osirak attack methodology, Israel attempted same venture against Pakistan as well but was faced with ever ready and resilient response.
August 10, 2022
Τον Ιούνιο του 1981 8 Ισραηλινά F-16 πετώντας σε ύψος 100 ποδιών σε απόσταση 580 μιλίων κατέστρεψαν τον υπό κατασκευή πυρηνικό αντιδραστήρα του Ιράκ.
Το Raid on the Sun αφηγείται αναλυτικά πώς το Ισραήλ σχεδίασε και πραγματοποίησε με απόλυτη επιτυχία και απόλυτη μυστικότητα την επιχείρηση OPERA, για να εξαλείψει την πυρηνική απειλή του Ιράκ.
Το Raid on the Sun αφηγείται αναλυτικά πώς το Ισραήλ σχεδίασε και πραγματοποίησε με απόλυτη επιτυχία και απόλυτη μυστικότητα την επιχείρηση OPERA, για να εξαλείψει την πυρηνική απειλή του Ιράκ.
February 13, 2023
There's no serious doubt that Saddam Hussein would have nuked Israel had he acquired the means. This is the story of the raid that denied him those means. And what a story it is; briskly told, with espionage, betrayal, high-stakes personal drama, an incredible plot twist you wouldn't believe if this were an Iron Eagle movie, and enough high-wire flying to make Maverick and company blush.
January 5, 2021
Great military history of Israel's audacious raid on Iraq's Osirak reactor. A great story of the practical, logistical, and political challenges the planners and pilots faced in pulling off this raid successfully.
June 28, 2017
A wonderful account of an event that shaped the middle east to this day. And very few of us even know/knew about it. Read like a action novel and was a good history lesson.
October 20, 2020
Amazing true story! A little too technical but I really enjoyed it
May 31, 2021
What a story?! It read like fiction… an impossible feat of daring and courage. Crazy intense as well, even though we already know the outcome.
July 20, 2022
Simply outstanding!
April 12, 2025
One of my favourite book
June 9, 2026
I enjoyed every bit of it.
January 4, 2017
A book that only further cements my great respect for Israel and its people. An inspiring true story about an amazing group of brilliant and courageous people, in a mission that God blessed, protecting them and granting them success against their enemies.
Content: Details about Saddam Hussein’s sadistic reign. Also details about how spies really operate – not in the honorable way protrayed on TV. There’s a scene describing how Mossad agents use prositutions to wile information about of their enemies, and then kill the prostiutes to tie up the lose ends. Overall thematic elements, there might have been some swearing. All of these things are dealt with briefly and with surprising restraint, but it's still present.
Content: Details about Saddam Hussein’s sadistic reign. Also details about how spies really operate – not in the honorable way protrayed on TV. There’s a scene describing how Mossad agents use prositutions to wile information about of their enemies, and then kill the prostiutes to tie up the lose ends. Overall thematic elements, there might have been some swearing. All of these things are dealt with briefly and with surprising restraint, but it's still present.
Read
August 3, 2011Amazing book about the harrowing and brave journey of 8 Israeli figher pilots in blowing up a major Iraqi nuclear facility. The book chronicles the life of Saadam Hussein and his quest for world domination and nuclear prestige. It also discusses the history of Israel within the Middle East, and how this nation the size of New Jersey becomes a nuclear powerhouse and military intelligence not to be compared with any other nation. Israel succeeds in duping the world many times over, but the most successful campaign is the bombing of the Osirak facility outside of Baghdad. This book is a must for any Zionist!
July 13, 2012
Read about the air attack thet destroyed a nuclear reactor just before it went "hot". Read Bullseye One Reactor first if you can.
"Six F-15s had taxied out of their camouflaged hangers at the end of the runway and were holding on the tarmac ... the support fighters that would shadow the attack group all the way to the target ... They would circle west of Aqaba and wait for the eight F-16s to reform, then follow them into Iraq. His (the F-15 squadron leader) job was to jam Iraqi radar over al-Tuwaitha with the F-15s' powerful ECMs (Electronic Counter Measures) and engage any MiGs that challenged the attack." (from pagea 111-112)
"Six F-15s had taxied out of their camouflaged hangers at the end of the runway and were holding on the tarmac ... the support fighters that would shadow the attack group all the way to the target ... They would circle west of Aqaba and wait for the eight F-16s to reform, then follow them into Iraq. His (the F-15 squadron leader) job was to jam Iraqi radar over al-Tuwaitha with the F-15s' powerful ECMs (Electronic Counter Measures) and engage any MiGs that challenged the attack." (from pagea 111-112)
December 31, 2009
A slick fast read. I especially enjoyed its exploration of the entire project beyond just the actual flight mission itself. It delves into the politics behind the mission, the attempts by the Mossad to slow the development of the reactor (particularly fascinating) and the intense training and mission planning experienced by the pilots and of course the actual flight itself.
Some have questioned its veracity - former F16 pilots for example quibble about some depictions. Overall I cannot fault the author and as a layperson don't find anything that stands out as unbelievable.
Some have questioned its veracity - former F16 pilots for example quibble about some depictions. Overall I cannot fault the author and as a layperson don't find anything that stands out as unbelievable.
Read
July 25, 2011It's scarcely believable that the Israelis managed to pull off this operation. It's also odd that Israel allowed so much of this information to be declassified. It's also quite a neat trick of the writer to have elicited such fascinating emotions from those involved, in addition to incredible details that went into this (the operation and the book). The actual attack run elicits the same visceral response to the Rebel Fleet's attack run on the Death Star: positively heart-pounding.
December 19, 2012
Behind the scenes account of the Israeli raid on the nuclear power plant Iraq was trying to build. It gives the reader an idea of how much effort and energy goes into pulling off a mission like this. It also details all of the other strategies (sabotage, assassination, etc.)Israel employed to derail this plan. Also many high profile Israeli officials had their start with this mission. It is well written, and compelling, even with knowing the ending.
December 10, 2007
Raid on the sun is more than a fact based thriller, although it certainly is that.Rodger W.Claire takes the material and the people of clandestine legend and bring them into the light and context of history. He makes one wonder if the Osirak Operation may come to be seen as one of history,s turning point.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews