Operation Wrath of God, also known as Mivtza Za'am Ha'El in Hebrew, was a covert operation carried out by Israel in response to the 1972 Munich Olympic massacre. The operation was aimed at tracking down and eliminating individuals involved in the planning and execution of the terrorist attack carried out by the Palestinian group Black September, which resulted in the murder of eleven Israeli athletes.
Background: The Munich Massacre
The tragic events of September 5, 1972, shocked the world. Eight members of the Black September organization infiltrated the Olympic Village in Munich, Germany, and took eleven Israeli athletes hostage. Their demands included the release of 234 prisoners held in Israeli jails and two German terrorists. After a prolonged standoff and a botched rescue attempt by German authorities, all eleven hostages were killed, alongside five of the terrorists and one German police officer.
Genesis of Operation Wrath of God
In the aftermath of the Munich massacre, Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir and her cabinet decided that those responsible for the attack must be brought to justice. The Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, was tasked with conducting a covert mission to hunt down and eliminate the individuals involved. This operation was codenamed "Wrath of God" and was part of a broader initiative known as "Bayonet".
Execution of the Operation
Operation Wrath of God was a complex and meticulously planned mission that spanned across Europe and the Middle East. The operation involved several key components: - Identification of Targets: Mossad operatives compiled a list of individuals believed to be responsible for the Munich massacre, including high-ranking members of Black September and its parent organization, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
- Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering: Extensive surveillance and intelligence gathering were conducted to track the movements and activities of the targets. Mossad agents infiltrated various networks to gather information.
- Elimination of Targets: Once the targets were located, assassination teams were dispatched to carry out the killings. These teams operated with precision, often using methods such as letter bombs, gun attacks, and booby-trapped cars.
Notable Assassinations
Several high-profile assassinations were carried out as part of Operation Wrath of God:
- Wael Zwaiter: The first target, Zwaiter was killed in Rome on October 16, 1972. He was a PLO representative and was accused of involvement in the Munich attack.
- Mahmoud Hamshari: Killed in Paris on December 8, 1972, Hamshari was the chief representative of the PLO in France. He was targeted using a bomb placed under his telephone.
- Basil al-Kubaissi: A PFLP member and academic, al-Kubaissi was assassinated in Paris on April 6, 1973.
- Mohammed Boudia: A key figure in the PFLP’s operations in Europe, Boudia was killed in Paris on June 28, 1973, by a car bomb.
Challenges and Controversies
Operation Wrath of God faced several challenges and controversies:
- Diplomatic Fallout: The operation strained Israel's diplomatic relations with several European countries, as many of the assassinations took place on their soil without prior notification.
- Mistaken Identity: In one notable incident, known as the Lillehammer affair, Mossad agents mistakenly killed Ahmed Bouchiki, a Moroccan waiter in Norway, on July 21, 1973, thinking he was Ali Hassan Salameh, a key planner of the Munich attack. This led to the arrest and trial of several Mossad agents, causing international embarrassment for Israel.
Long-term Impact and Legacy
Operation Wrath of God had a profound impact on international counterterrorism efforts and Israel's intelligence operations. The mission demonstrated Israel's resolve to pursue justice for its citizens and served as a deterrent to future terrorist activities. However, it also highlighted the ethical and legal complexities of state-sponsored assassinations.
Conclusion
Operation Wrath of God remains one of the most significant and controversial counterterrorism operations in history. It showcased Israel's determination to protect its citizens and bring terrorists to justice, but it also raised important questions about the methods used and the consequences of such actions. The operation's legacy continues to influence discussions on counterterrorism and the balance between security and international law.
