Olmert reveals intelligence breakthrough leading to Israel's 2007 strike on Syrian nuclear reactor
Former prime minister Ehud Olmert said the intelligence breakthrough that led to Israel's strikes on a Syrian nuclear reactor began with a young Mossad recruit in an interview with Channel 12.
Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert revealed details of Israel's 2007 operation to destroy a Syrian nuclear reactor during an interview with Channel 12. The operation began when a Mossad officer named Anat, who believed Syria was pursuing a nuclear program, insisted on working on the issue instead of Iran. Despite initial resistance from her superiors, Anat persisted and eventually became a senior Mossad official.
Israel's intelligence eventually reached Olmert, who summoned his advisers to announce the plan to destroy the reactor. The operation included the possibility of a military strike and the abduction of a key intelligence target, Ibrahim Othman. Israel successfully destroyed the reactor in September 2007, and the attack was acknowledged in 2018.
Olmert emphasized the existential threat posed by Syria's nuclear program, even though he did not believe Assad would use a nuclear weapon against Israel. He also noted the potential consequences of a nuclear strike, comparing it to the October 7 attack and the Yom Kippur War.
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