The United States was stunned by Israel's air strikes against an Iraqi nuclear reactor in June 1981, according to files released, Thursday, by Britain's National Archives under the 30-year rule. Israel attacked the French-built reactor after intelligence reports indicated the reactor was on the verge of producing weapons-grade atomic material.
In a cable sent to London, Britain's ambassador to Washington, Sir Nicholas Henderson - who was with US Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger as the news came in - wrote "Weinberger says that he thinks Begin must have taken leave of his senses. He is much disturbed by the Israeli reaction and possible consequences."