Nuclear Impact Analysis · Israel

Is Tel Aviv safe from a nuclear strike?

We modelled the most plausible strategic targets around Tel Aviv and simulated blast, thermal, radiation and fallout effects against its 4,400,000 metro residents.

8/100
EXTREME RISK

Tel Aviv city centre sits 1.6 km from Tel Aviv / HaKirya, the most plausible strategic target in the area (high targeting confidence). Modelled strike: 150 kt surface burst.

Estimated survival chance at city centre: 25% · Estimated metro fatalities: 67.8K, injuries: 81.6K

Run the interactive simulation for Tel Aviv →

What a strike on Tel Aviv / HaKirya would mean

A 150 kt detonation produces a fireball 563 m across in radius. Reinforced concrete fails out to 1.4 km (20 psi). Most residential buildings collapse within 2.9 km (5 psi), and windows shatter dangerously out to 6.6 km (1 psi). Anyone in line of sight within 5.2 km suffers third-degree burns from the thermal pulse.

Because military and hardened targets are typically attacked with surface bursts, fallout matters here: with prevailing winds the dangerous plume would stretch roughly 63 km east of ground zero. Tel Aviv city centre lies inside that projected corridor — sheltering indoors for 24–48 hours would be critical.

Most plausible targets near Tel Aviv

TargetTypeDistanceAssumed yieldConfidence
Tel Aviv / HaKiryamilitary2 km150 kthigh
Dimona Nuclear Research, Israelenergy124 km150 kthigh
Cairocity407 km150 ktlow
Incirlik Air Basemilitary550 km300 ktmedium
Istanbul (Bosphorus)city1119 km300 ktmedium

Key blast radii (150 kt surface burst)

EffectRadiusWhat happens
Fireball563 mComplete vaporisation
20 psi blast1.4 kmHardened structures destroyed, ~100% fatalities
5 psi blast2.9 kmMost buildings collapse, widespread fatalities
3rd-degree burns5.2 kmFull-thickness burns to exposed skin
500 rem radiation2.1 kmLethal dose without medical care
1 psi blast6.6 kmWindow breakage, light damage, glass injuries

How Tel Aviv can prepare

With a population density of 8,400 people/km², Tel Aviv's outcome would hinge on the first hour. The guidance is identical everywhere: get inside, stay inside, stay tuned. A basement or the core of a large concrete building cuts fallout exposure by a factor of 10 or more, and radiation decays fast — dose rates fall ~90% within the first 7 hours and ~99% within two days.

Check your exact address in Tel Aviv →
Model disclaimer: These are research-grade estimates from open scaling laws (Glasstone & Dolan, 1977), not predictions. Actual outcomes depend on burst height, weapon choice, weather, terrain and sheltering. In any real emergency follow official civil-defence guidance.

Compare with other cities

MumbaiHong KongJakartaBuenos AiresNashvilleAustinRaleighBristol