Israel’s spy agency, Mossad, executed successful attacks on Hezbollah this week involving exploding pagers and walkie-talkies, causing casualties and disrupting their operations. This is part of a long history of Israeli covert operations targeting enemies through various means, including but not limited to, letter bombs, poison, booby traps, drones, and AI-assisted robotic guns. Mossad has a track record of pursuing adversaries with determination, dating back to the pre-state era where British military officers and police were targeted by the Zionist underground movement.
Israeli targeted killings, aimed at deterring attacks, instilling fear, and seeking revenge, have faced ethical dilemmas and often produced only temporary successes without lasting effects. Some infamous operations include capturing Adolf Eichmann, targeting scientists in Egypt’s rocket program, and hunting down terrorists responsible for the Munich Olympics massacre. However, some missions have failed or resulted in tragic mistakes, like killing a Moroccan waiter mistaken for a PLO figure.
The use of armed drones in assassination operations has expanded Israel’s capabilities, allowing remote killings without risking Israeli lives. Recent drone strikes have targeted senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures, as well as Iranian generals visiting Syria. Mossad’s chief has pledged to hunt down all those involved in recent attacks on Israel, echoing past campaigns like Operation Wrath of God after the Munich massacre. Despite these successes, such operations have been criticized for their temporary impact and ethical implications.
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