---
born: 1930-04-28
category: Nuclear Scientists & Programs
location: Houston, Texas
summary: Chief of Staff under President Reagan who agreed sanctions against Israel
  were essential after the 1981 bombing of Iraq's Osirak reactor.
tags:
- Person
- Nuclear
- Israel
---

James A. Baker III served as the Chief of Staff under President [Ronald Reagan](/people/ronald-reagan/). He was present at a meeting of Reagan's high command following the Israeli bombing of the Iraqi nuclear reactor at [Osirak bombing](/events/osirak-bombing/) in June 1981, where he agreed that some sanctions against [Israel](/places/israel/) were essential.[^1]

[^1]: Hersh, Seymour M. *The Samson Option: Israel's Nuclear Arsenal and American Foreign Policy*. Random House, 1991.