Iran Strikes Secret Israeli-US Military Bunker in Tel Aviv: A New Chapter in Regional Tensions

In a shocking revelation, an investigation by The Grayzone has uncovered that Iran’s missile strike on Tel Aviv on June 13 directly targeted a clandestine underground military command center, known as “Site 81”. This covert facility, jointly operated by Israel and the United States, is hidden beneath the luxurious Da Vinci Towers in the heart of the city.

According to extensive geolocation analysis, leaked emails, and public records, this underground command center plays a crucial role in Israel’s military intelligence operations. Here are some key details about the facility:

• Location: The command center is situated beneath the Da Vinci Towers, a high-end residential and office complex that was constructed over a former ministry compound.
• Operation: US Army engineers supervised the bunker’s construction over a decade ago, ensuring it meets advanced military standards.
• Strategic Importance: The facility acts as a command and control node, critical for Israeli military intelligence activities.

When Iranian missiles struck various targets in northern Tel Aviv in June, Israeli authorities swiftly sealed off the affected areas, preventing journalists from capturing images or reporting on the situation. Notably, Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst was among those who faced police barriers near significant locations such as the HaKirya compound and the Azrieli Center.

Shortly after the attack, Iranian state media proclaimed that military and intelligence targets had been accurately struck in retaliation for previous Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. This incident underscores the escalating tensions in the region and raises questions about military operations conducted in civilian areas.

The Grayzone’s report connects the Da Vinci Towers complex to a significant project undertaken by the US Army Corps of Engineers in 2013, which expanded “Site 81” into a 6,000-square-meter electromagnetically shielded intelligence facility. Key findings include:

• Geolocation Evidence: A photograph from a US Army study was geolocated to the site using nearby landmarks, including the Kannarit Air Force towers, which are positioned just a short distance away.
• Proximity to Civilians: The site is alarmingly close—less than 100 meters—from a children’s playground and community center, raising ethical concerns about military installations being embedded in densely populated civilian areas.

This strategic placement has led to accusations that Israel is employing civilians as human shields, a practice Israel has long attributed to Palestinian forces. The implications of such military tactics are profound, drawing attention to the safety and security of civilian populations caught in conflict zones.

Adding to the mystery, satellite imagery of the area remains obscured on platforms like Google and Yandex Maps, indicating ongoing censorship of sensitive military sites within Tel Aviv. This lack of transparency raises further questions about the extent of military operations in populated regions.

Moreover, leaked correspondence between former NATO Commander James Stavridis and former Israeli military chief Gabi Ashkenazi confirms that the bunker has served as a crucial command and control hub for Israel’s military network. In a 2015 exchange, Stavridis highlighted a significant contract awarded to a US company, ThinkLogical, related to operations at Site 81.

The Da Vinci complex and its adjacent towers were financed by a complex network of Israeli-American investors and firms closely linked to the Israeli security establishment. Noteworthy contributors include:

• Check Point Technologies: A prominent cybersecurity company.
• AI21 Labs: Founded by veterans of Israel’s elite signals intelligence corps, Unit 8200.

Amidst these revelations, France 24’s analysis of post-strike coverage has highlighted significant Israeli censorship. For instance, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz delayed its reports on the missile strike targeting the Da Vinci Towers by two weeks, despite circulating images that contradicted official narratives.

This investigation sheds light on the hidden complexities of military operations in urban environments and raises ethical questions regarding civilian safety. As the situation in the region continues to evolve, the implications of these findings will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing debates about military strategy, transparency, and the protection of civilian lives. Understanding the dynamics at play in such high-stakes scenarios is crucial for both policymakers and the public alike.

In summary, the investigation by The Grayzone reveals the intricate relationship between military operations and civilian areas in Tel Aviv, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in military engagements. The revelations surrounding Site 81 and the Da Vinci Towers complex serve as a critical reminder of the human cost of conflict and the ethical responsibilities of nations engaged in military actions.