Olmert Recounts Dramatic 2007 Syria Nuclear Reactor Strike

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, celebrating his 80th birthday, has revealed new details about the 2007 Israeli airstrike on a Syrian nuclear reactor in a recent interview. Olmert described the operation, which he called 'piratical,' and discussed the intelligence gathering that preceded it, highlighting 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.

The operation was spurred by a 2003 intelligence failure where the US revealed Libya's nuclear program, which Israel had been unaware of. This prompted then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to order a thorough investigation into any potential nuclear activities in the region. Olmert, then acting Prime Minister, had access to all relevant intelligence.

Olmert also revealed that the significant resources dedicated to locating abducted soldier Gilad Shalit may have diverted attention from efforts to uncover the Syrian nuclear threat. He stated that the strategic importance of neutralizing the reactor necessitated prioritizing it over intelligence efforts for Shalit's whereabouts, a decision he acknowledged was difficult but necessary.

Further details emerged regarding a daring operation by then-Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, who reportedly approached the head of Syria's nuclear program, Othman, in Europe. The plan was to abduct Othman to extract information, but Cohen instead knocked on his door, confronting him with knowledge of his activities. Olmert admitted the immense risk involved but also acknowledged the potential operational genius if it had succeeded.

Olmert expressed concern about the potential existential threat a nuclear-armed Syria would pose, emphasizing that even a single nuclear weapon would have catastrophic consequences for Israel, unlike conventional threats. He also reflected on the secrecy surrounding the operation, noting that despite thousands knowing about the surveillance, no leaks occurred, a feat he attributed to strict protocols and a sense of shared destiny among those involved.