Ehud Olmert Reveals Dramatic Details of 2007 Syria Nuclear Reactor Strike

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has revealed previously undisclosed details surrounding the dramatic 2007 Israeli airstrike that destroyed a nuclear reactor in Syria. Speaking in an interview coinciding with the release of his new book, "Arizona, All of Us," and his 80th birthday, Olmert described the intelligence, political, and operational complexities of the mission.

A key revelation involved a young female Mossad agent, codenamed "Anat," whom Olmert credited with saving Israel's existence. Despite initial skepticism from her superiors who believed "there is no Syrian nuclear [program]," Anat persisted in investigating Syria's nuclear activities, a pursuit that nearly led to her dismissal. Her insistence, however, was eventually recognized by then-Mossad chief Meir Dagan, leading to the operation that uncovered the reactor.

Olmert also recounted an unusual operation by Yossi Cohen, who later became Mossad chief. In preparation for potential war, security forces planned to abduct Ibrahim Othman, head of Syria's nuclear program. Cohen, however, independently approached Othman at his home in Europe, attempting to recruit him as an informant. Olmert described this as a "crazy and irresponsible risk" but characteristic of intelligence operations.

To prevent leaks among the approximately 2,500 individuals privy to the operation, Israel implemented unprecedented security measures. Participants signed agreements to be interrogated by the Shin Bet in case of a leak, and sensitive discussions were held at Olmert's private residence on Fridays to avoid suspicion from government officials. Olmert admitted to sleepless nights due to fear of a leak, while then-U.S. President George W. Bush called the secrecy on the American side a "miracle."

Olmert also addressed the difficult trade-offs made at the time. Due to limited surveillance resources, intelligence efforts focused on the Syrian reactor at the expense of intensified efforts to locate kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit. Regarding Syria's reaction, Olmert noted that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had hinted at regional changes in a speech prior to the strike, but remained completely silent after the reactor's destruction to avoid revealing his weakness.