The “real” chances of a nuclear hit-back from Israel, driven by desperation in an existential crisis, are generally considered low due to conventional military superiority and US backing, but are not zero. Such a move is associated with the Samson Option – an unconfirmed, last-resort doctrine of massive retaliation, named after the biblical figure who died while destroying his enemies. 

As of March 2026, amid intense, multi-front conflict involving Iran, the “Samson Option” has returned to focus as a potential, though catastrophic, tool of last resort. 

The “Samson Option” doctrine suggests that if Israel’s existence is threatened, or its conventional defenses fail against a massive, overwhelming attack, it would use its nuclear arsenal rather than face destruction. The doctrine is specifically designed for a scenario where Israel is on the verge of being defeated or overrun, taking its enemies with it.

Israel neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons (“Amimut”), which allows them to maintain deterrence without the international fallout of admitting to the arsenal.

Israel neither confirms nor denies possessing nuclear weapons (“Amimut”), which allows them to maintain deterrence without the international fallout of admitting to the arsenal.

Experts consider this a last-resort, “doomsday” plan. It is highly unlikely to be used unless Israel faces an existential, apocalyptic threat. The threat was reportedly discussed during the 1973 Yom Kippur War when Israeli defenses were severely challenged. 

The use of a nuclear weapon by Israel, even if considered a “last-resort,” would result in catastrophic outcomes. A nuclear exchange would likely destroy major cities in Iran and neighbouring countries, resulting in unprecedented loss of life and injuries. Beyond immediate blast damage, radioactive fallout could affect the entire region, spreading to Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia.

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A regional nuclear exchange could disrupt the global climate, causing significant agricultural collapse, starvation, and a potential global famine (“nuclear winter”).

Such a move would break international norms, destroy the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) framework, and isolate Israel globally. It could prompt other regional nations to pursue nuclear weapons.

A major conflict in the region would likely paralyze global........

© Middle East Monitor