Israel scrambles warplanes over nuclear facility

Published 10:16 pm Wednesday, October 6, 2010

JERUSALEM — Israel’s air force scrambled fighter jets today after a small civilian aircraft flew into restricted airspace near the country’s heavily guarded and secretive Dimona nuclear reactor, security officials said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity surrounding the Dimona nuclear reactor.

The Israeli military said two fighter planes that were already airborne responded and directed the pilot to a nearby airport.

Israeli media said the man had flown into the area accidentally and was released after being questioned.

Foreign experts have concluded that Israel possesses a formidable nuclear arsenal based on pictures taken at the site two decades ago by a technician.

Israel maintains a policy it calls nuclear ambiguity, refusing to acknowledge whether it has atomic weapons.