Although Iran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful energy purposes, Israel has long seen it as a threat. Israeli strikes have hit three of Iran’s nuclear facilities — Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow. Little damage appears visible in satellite imagery of Fordow.

Israel’s sophisticated air defense system has in the past fended off attacks from Gaza, Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, Yemen and Iran. Still, Iranian missiles have tested the multilayered network, and some projectiles have made impact.