Olmert Recounts Dramatic 2007 Syrian Nuclear Reactor Strike

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, celebrating his 80th birthday, has revealed new details about the 2007 Israeli airstrike that destroyed a Syrian nuclear reactor. In an interview with Amit Segal for his new book, "Arizona, We Are All," Olmert described the operation as "piratical" and highlighted the crucial role of a young Mossad agent, referred to as Anat, who insisted on the existence of the Syrian nuclear program despite initial skepticism from her superiors. This intuition, Olmert stated, was pivotal in uncovering the threat.

The operation's genesis is linked to the 2003 U.S. revelation of Libya's abandoned nuclear program, which shocked Israeli intelligence. Olmert explained that this event prompted then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to order intensified monitoring for any nuclear activity. Olmert, serving as acting PM at the time, had access to all intelligence.

Olmert detailed the internal struggles within the Mossad, where Anat faced resistance and even a disciplinary hearing before her findings were accepted. He contrasted this with the perceived openness of intelligence agencies to listen to lower-ranking personnel, citing the case of a female observer who alerted the military intelligence (Aman) about potential threats, only to be largely ignored. Olmert also reflected on the difficult decision to prioritize the reactor strike over intelligence efforts to locate captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, stating, "We had to prioritize."

He also recounted the moment he informed his top advisors about the reactor and his resolve to destroy it, emphasizing the existential threat it posed to Israel. Olmert drew parallels with Menachem Begin's decision to bomb the Iraqi nuclear reactor before the 1981 elections, noting Begin's rationale that he had to act before a potential election loss. Olmert also touched upon the operational security of the reactor strike, noting that despite 2,500 individuals knowing about the surveillance, the operation remained secret due to stringent measures and a shared sense of purpose.

Olmert also discussed a daring Mossad operation led by Yossi Cohen, who reportedly approached the head of the Syrian nuclear program, Osama al-Abd al-Haq, attempting to recruit him as an informant. Olmert acknowledged the immense risk involved in such a direct approach but also recognized the potential operational genius if it had succeeded.