Israeli Strike on Syria Hit Nuke Reactor

Israel's air strike on Syria last month was aimed at a nuclear reactor, US and Israeli intelligence analysts say. The partly-built facility was based on a North Korean model—a link that could harm Pyonyang's new denuclearization deal if Israel can prove that Kim Jong Il helped mount the reactor. US and world officials were mum about the origins of Syria's technology, the New York Times reports.

The strike has divided Washington pols, some calling it premature, as Israel says the attack aimed to “re-establish the credibility of our deterrent power.” Some officials consider the assault a warning to Iran and its nuclear ambitions. Iran and other Arab countries registered no protest over the attack, which may signal that Israel is not alone in fearing a nuclear Syria. (More Syria stories.)