1. Define the following words as used in the article:
covert (paragraph 1)
illicit (para. 2)
procurement, enrichment [of uranium] (para. 13)
sanctions (para. 17)
efficacy (para. 23)

2. Why do Israeli officials believe that any direct military action against Iran is beyond reach for now?

3. What is Israel's aim for its covert war against Iran?

4. How does U.S. intelligence analyst Reva Bhalla explain Israel's strategy against Iran?

5. Read the background below for an explanation of Israel's Mossad.  Describe the strategies used by Mossad to disrupt and/or damage Iran's nuclear program.

6. Iran's 20 year secret nuclear program was discovered in 2002. Iran says its program is for fuel purposes only, but it has been working on uranium enrichment which is used to make nuclear bombs. The Iranian government has called for the destruction of Israel on numerous occasions. It is believed that once obtained, Iran would use nuclear weapons against Israel.  Do these facts justify Israel's covert war against Iran? Explain your answer.