In a bold and unilateral move, Israel targeted Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and leadership in an operation that may have been years in the making, much like last year's attack on the pagers of Hezbollah members.

Israel sent Mossad commandos deep into Iran to destroy Iranian weapons systems during Israel's attack on nuclear and military targets, an Israeli security source said, while another official said Israel used a ploy to suggest the strike was not imminent.

A wave of strikes targeted top military leaders and killed many of them; nuclear and military installations also were hit.