Israel Warns Its Nuclear Scientists after Zadeh's Assassination

Yesterday, the Israeli government warned of the possibility of targeting its institutions and nuclear scientists abroad after the recent Iranian threats.

Iran escalated its threats following the assassination of nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, which a prominent Iranian official described as "complicated", and it was carried out in a "completely new" manner.

Last Friday, Iran announced the killing of nuclear scientist Zadeh, head of the Research and Innovation Organization at the Ministry of Defense, after he was targeted by militants in Damavand Province, east of Tehran.

The nuclear scientist was included in the US State Department sanctions list of 2008, for "activities and operations that contributed to the development of Iran's nuclear program."

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused him of standing behind a military nuclear program.

Therefore, Tel Aviv warned nuclear scientists who used to work at its Dimona reactor to take increased security measures amid fears they could be targeted, as Iran looks to avenge the killing of the father of its atomic program, according to The Times of Israel.

Moreover, Israeli authorities ordered its nuclear scientists to change their daily routine and pay attention to social media activities, as they could be monitored.

Nitzan Nuriel, a former director of the Counter-Terrorism Bureau in the Prime Minister’s Office stated that "The Iranians tried in the past to carry out attacks against senior Israeli officials overseas. I doubt they can carry out such an attack in Israel."

On his part, Elliott Abrams, the US special representative for Washington on Iran and Venezuela, said: "It is unlikely that Iran will retaliate for the assassination of Zadeh for fear that it would jeopardize any possibility of easing sanctions in the future."

Abrams pointed out that this matter would be a key element in Washington's decision with Biden taking the presidency from President Donald Trump on January 20.

He also added that "If Iranians seek sanctions relief, they know that they need to have some negotiations after January 20, and then they will realize that they have not to undertake any activities that could make sanctions relief more difficult."