The Secret History Of Israel Targeted Assassinations

Israel, a small nation surrounded by hostile neighbors, has had to employ unconventional tactics to ensure its security. One such strategy that has garnered both praise and criticism is targeted assassinations. These covert operations have played a significant role in Israel's history, shaping its approach to national security. In this article, we will delve into the secret history of Israel's targeted assassinations, exploring their origins, effectiveness, and ethical implications.

The Birth of Targeted Assassinations

The concept of targeted assassinations can be traced back to Israel's early days as a nation. After its establishment in 1948, Israel faced multiple threats from neighboring Arab nations. As a result, its leaders recognized the need for proactive measures to neutralize potential threats before they materialized.

One of the early pioneers of Israeli targeted assassinations was the intelligence agency known as Mossad. Established in 1949, Mossad became Israel's covert weapon in its fight for survival. Mossad operatives executed several high-profile assassinations, targeting individuals they deemed as threats to Israeli security.

Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations

by Ronen Bergman (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

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The Impact of Operation Wrath of God

One of the most significant instances of targeted assassinations orchestrated by Israel was the infamous Operation Wrath of God. This campaign was a response to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, where members of the Palestinian group Black September killed eleven Israeli athletes.

In Operation Wrath of God, Mossad agents tracked down and eliminated those responsible for the Munich attack and other acts of terrorism against Israelis. This campaign sent a clear message to terrorists around the world that Israel would not tolerate attacks on its citizens.

Evaluating the Effectiveness

Proponents of targeted assassinations argue that they have been effective in neutralizing imminent threats and preventing future attacks. By eliminating key individuals involved in planning and executing acts of terrorism, Israel has succeeded in disrupting extremist networks and saving lives.

However, critics argue that targeted assassinations often result in unintended consequences. When high-profile figures are eliminated, their followers might be further radicalized, leading to an escalation of violence. Additionally, targeted assassinations can undermine diplomatic efforts and hinder the peace process by creating a cycle of revenge and retaliation.

The Ethical Quandary

Israel's targeted assassinations have sparked intense debates about their ethical implications. Critics argue that extrajudicial killings violate the principles of due process and undermine the rule of law. They believe that such actions should be subject to judicial review and oversight.

On the other hand, supporters argue that Israel faces unique security challenges that require unconventional approaches. By targeting individuals involved in planning attacks, they contend that Israel is taking necessary measures to protect its citizens.

Controversies and International Reactions

Israel's targeted assassinations have not been without controversy. Several high-profile cases have drawn international attention and condemnation. The assassination of Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in 2004, for example, sparked widespread protests and condemnation in the Arab world.

International reactions to these covert operations have varied. Some countries, particularly those facing similar security challenges, have expressed understanding and even tacit approval. However, human rights organizations and some nations argue that targeted assassinations violate international law and human rights standards.

The Future of Targeted Assassinations

In recent years, as both technology and international norms have evolved, the practice of targeted assassinations has become increasingly complex. The use of drones, cyber warfare, and other advanced techniques has opened up new possibilities for covert operations.

As Israel continues to grapple with security threats, it is likely that targeted assassinations will remain a viable option. However, as the world becomes more interconnected, balancing security concerns with ethical standards and international law will become increasingly challenging.

In

The secret history of Israel's targeted assassinations offers a glimpse into the complex world of covert operations and national security. While the efficacy and ethical implications of these operations are subjects of intense debate, there is no doubt that they have played a significant role in shaping Israel's approach to security.

As Israel navigates an uncertain future, the practice of targeted assassinations will continue to be a contentious issue. Finding the right balance between national security and international norms will be crucial as Israel strives to preserve its existence in a hostile region.

Only time will tell how the secret history of Israel's targeted assassinations will be written in the annals of history.

Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations

by Ronen Bergman (Kindle Edition)

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	42892 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	737 pages

FREE

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The first definitive history of the Mossad, Shin Bet, and the IDF’s targeted killing programs, hailed by The New York Times as “an exceptional work, a humane book about an incendiary subject.”

WINNER OF THE NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD IN HISTORY

NAMED ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY JENNIFER SZALAI, THE NEW YORK TIMES NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY The Economist • The New York Times Book Review • BBC History Magazine • Mother Jones • Kirkus Reviews

The Talmud says: “If someone comes to kill you, rise up and kill him first.” This instinct to take every measure, even the most aggressive, to defend the Jewish people is hardwired into Israel’s DNA. From the very beginning of its statehood in 1948, protecting the nation from harm has been the responsibility of its intelligence community and armed services, and there is one weapon in their vast arsenal that they have relied upon to thwart the most serious threats: Targeted assassinations have been used countless times, on enemies large and small, sometimes in response to attacks against the Israeli people and sometimes preemptively.

In this page-turning, eye-opening book, journalist and military analyst Ronen Bergman—praised by David Remnick as “arguably [Israel’s] best investigative reporter”—offers a riveting inside account of the targeted killing programs: their successes, their failures, and the moral and political price exacted on the men and women who approved and carried out the missions.

Bergman has gained the exceedingly rare cooperation of many current and former members of the Israeli government, including Prime Ministers Shimon Peres, Ehud Barak, Ariel Sharon, and Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as high-level figures in the country’s military and intelligence services: the IDF (Israel Defense Forces), the Mossad (the world’s most feared intelligence agency), Caesarea (a “Mossad within the Mossad” that carries out attacks on the highest-value targets), and the Shin Bet (an internal security service that implemented the largest targeted assassination campaign ever, in order to stop what had once appeared to be unstoppable: suicide terrorism).

Including never-before-reported, behind-the-curtain accounts of key operations, and based on hundreds of on-the-record interviews and thousands of files to which Bergman has gotten exclusive access over his decades of reporting, Rise and Kill First brings us deep into the heart of Israel’s most secret activities. Bergman traces, from statehood to the present, the gripping events and thorny ethical questions underlying Israel’s targeted killing campaign, which has shaped the Israeli nation, the Middle East, and the entire world.

“A remarkable feat of fearless and responsible reporting . . . important, timely, and informative.”—John le Carré