Ehud Olmert Reveals New Details on 2007 Strike Against Syrian Nuclear Reactor
Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert revealed new details about the 2007 destruction of the Syrian nuclear reactor, highlighting a young Mossad officer's persistence and unprecedented security measures.
Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has disclosed new details regarding the 2007 military operation that destroyed the Syrian nuclear reactor at Al-Kibar, shedding light on intelligence failures and diplomatic tensions.
The Mossad Officer Who Uncovered the Reactor
In an interview with Amit Segal marking his 80th birthday and the release of his new book, Olmert highlighted the critical role played by a young Mossad officer identified only as "Anat." Following the exposure of Libya's nuclear program in 2003, then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon ordered intelligence agencies to pursue any lead regarding clandestine nuclear activities in the region.
Despite skepticism and reprimands from her commanders—who dismissed her theories and threatened her with disciplinary dismissal—Anat insisted on investigating Syria. Her persistence eventually caught the attention of then-Mossad Director Meir Dagan, whose backing led to the critical intelligence breakthrough.
Operation Orchard and High-Stakes Diplomacy
The operation required unprecedented operational security. With approximately 2,500 individuals cleared as secret holders, Israel implemented strict protocols, including mandatory interrogations by the Shin Bet in the event of any leaks.
"I didn't sleep at night out of sheer fear that the secret would leak," Olmert recalled, noting that U.S. President George W. Bush later described the preservation of operational secrecy on the American side as a "miracle."
Strategic Dilemmas and Gilad Shalit
Olmert also addressed the heavy price and national priorities of that period. Due to limited satellite and aerial photography resources, the defense establishment was forced to prioritize surveillance of the Syrian reactor over intelligence efforts to locate kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the airstrike, Olmert noted that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad chose to maintain absolute silence rather than retaliate, seeking to conceal the humiliating breach of his regime's security.
