In ordering a preemptive strike aimed at significantly setting back Iran’s nuclear program, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was following in the footsteps of two of his predecessors. Menachem Begin ordered an attack in 1981 that destroyed Iraq’s nuclear reactor.

Israel has reportedly carried out a pre-emptive strike targeting sites in Iran, according to Israeli media outlet Channel 12. The attack comes amid heightened regional tensions, with Al Jazeera reporting loud explosions in Tehran shortly after the strike. Axios also confirmed that air raid sirens were heard across multiple locations in Israel.