[Goose]

B2 bombers couldnt be deniably used IMHO, not with modern satellite imagery widely available. It does seem Israel has been trying to hit Iran's buried infrastructure, and Iran is trying to fill in the holes. If B2s were dropping GBU-57s, our big hole makers, I think the satellites would pick it up. Only B2s and B52s are capable of dropping those.

https://x.com/gbrumfiel/status/1934396921449152541

Exactly. The munitions give it away. Filling in the holes may not be totally nuts. Israel may be attempting to utilize the ability to drop bombs in exactly the same spot to "drill down" deep enough to break through into the working areas. Seems like a reach, but if your only tool is a hammer...

And what do the polls say about an open ended commitment of ground forces?

An airstrike only campaign is certainly tempting. But can it accomplish the military and political objectives? Israel has been signalling their objectives are regime change. Israel is 9 million people, Iran is 90. Israel is already involved in active ground combat in Syria and Gaza. Who is going to be sending the troops if they are required?

Neither the US nor Israel have any intention of using ground troops in Iran, except possibly special forces (Israeli ones are probably already there in small numbers). . The military objective of getting Iran off the nuclear threshold can certainly be accomplished by a B-2 strike. It may be possible for Israel to accomplish it by themselves. A raid may be the methodology. That would be the biggest risk yet if Israel tries it. The political objectives of Israel (whatever they actually are) may not be accomplished. IMO Israel would be satisfied but not ecstatic with that outcome.

[Goose]

B2 bombers couldnt be deniably used IMHO, not with modern satellite imagery widely available. It does seem Israel has been trying to hit Iran's buried infrastructure, and Iran is trying to fill in the holes. If B2s were dropping GBU-57s, our big hole makers, I think the satellites would pick it up. Only B2s and B52s are capable of dropping those.

https://x.com/gbrumfiel/status/1934396921449152541

Exactly. The munitions give it away. Filling in the holes may not be totally nuts. Israel may be attempting to utilize the ability to drop bombs in exactly the same spot to "drill down" deep enough to break through into the working areas. Seems like a reach, but if your only tool is a hammer...

And what do the polls say about an open ended commitment of ground forces?

An airstrike only campaign is certainly tempting. But can it accomplish the military and political objectives? Israel has been signalling their objectives are regime change. Israel is 9 million people, Iran is 90. Israel is already involved in active ground combat in Syria and Gaza. Who is going to be sending the troops if they are required?

Neither the US nor Israel have any intention of using ground troops in Iran, except possibly special forces (Israeli ones are probably already there in small numbers). . The military objective of getting Iran off the nuclear threshold can certainly be accomplished by a B-2 strike. It may be possible for Israel to accomplish it by themselves. A raid may be the methodology. That would be the biggest risk yet if Israel tries it. The political objectives of Israel (whatever they actually are) may not be accomplished. IMO Israel would be satisfied but not ecstatic with that outcome.