This is a very unlikely scenario that would see Israel taking unilateral action without American knowledge. If the consequences in Iraq could be mitigated the U.S. would have authorized a strike on Iran much sooner. Furthermore, an air strike will only slow and not halt Iran’s nuclear program. The risks associated with a strike could prove lethal to an Israeli government almost felled for its handling of Israeli prisoners captured by Hezbollah. The Israeli public is in no mood to face a similar hostage situation of downed pilots in Iran. The risks substantially outweigh the benefits.

according to the sunday times, “Israel has drawn up secret plans to destroy Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities with tactical nuclear weapons.”
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,176-2535310,00.html

apparently 3 prime targets have been identified that if destroyed would set back Iran’s nuclear programme indefinitely. the article goes to speculate that training for the pilots has already begun and that routes have been mapped out.
while it seems unlikely that the US would grant Israel permission for such an incendiary attack, Israel has got around this before by only asking for approval after the fact (as they did when they bombed the Osirak reactor in Iraq). the Israeli government has repeatedly said that they will not allow Iran to acquire the bomb.

I am struck by the balance of reasoned and differing views between joynyangreen and m.elhusseini.

I have to say that the existence of a military plan that covers a contingency is not evidence of an intention to carry out that plan.

It is largely on that basis that I am with m.elhusseini on this one.

Shimom Peres has denied that Israel has any intention of hitting Iran.

“JERUSALEM – Israeli Vice Premier Shimon Peres says that Israel does not intend to use military force against Iran, which Israel suspects is building nuclear bombs.”

Click here—. to read the full article.

It’s hard to say, but the options for the US to enforce sanctions and carry out conventional military attacks by air and sea are too extensive to make an Israeli military attack necessary.