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35 Facts About Operation Wrath Of God

Kandace Perrine

Written by Kandace Perrine

Modified & Updated: 02 Dec 2024

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Source: Budapestreporter.com

Operation Wrath of God was a covert operation carried out by Israel in response to the tragic events of the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were brutally murdered by the Palestinian group Black September. This mission aimed to hunt down and eliminate those responsible for the massacre. Operation Wrath of God spanned several years and involved a series of targeted assassinations across Europe and the Middle East. The operation showcased Israel's determination to bring justice to the victims and deter future acts of terrorism. Operation Wrath of God remains one of the most well-known and controversial counter-terrorism efforts in history, raising questions about morality, justice, and the lengths nations will go to protect their citizens.

Key Takeaways:

  • Operation Wrath of God was a covert mission by Israel to avenge the Munich Olympics attack. It lasted over 20 years and used creative tactics, leaving a lasting impact on international security and Mossad's reputation.
  • Mossad's Operation Wrath of God targeted Palestinian militants, sparking fear and controversy. It led to increased security at sporting events and influenced global counter-terrorism measures, shaping Mossad's future operations.
Table of Contents
01Operation Wrath of God: An Overview
02Key Events and Milestones
03Methods and Tactics
04Controversies and Challenges
05Impact and Legacy
06Notable Figures Involved
07Long-term Consequences
08The Legacy of Operation Wrath of God

Operation Wrath of God: An Overview

Operation Wrath of God, also known as Mivtza Za'am Ha'El, was a covert operation carried out by Israel. It aimed to avenge the murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics. Here are some intriguing facts about this operation.

  1. The operation was initiated by Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir.

  2. It was conducted by Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency.

  3. The operation lasted for over 20 years, from 1972 to the early 1990s.

  4. The main targets were members of the Palestinian group Black September and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).

  5. Mossad agents used various aliases and fake passports to travel across Europe and the Middle East.

Key Events and Milestones

Several significant events marked the course of Operation Wrath of God. These milestones highlight the lengths to which Mossad went to achieve their objectives.

  1. The first target was Wael Zwaiter, a PLO representative in Rome, who was killed in October 1972.

  2. Mahmoud Hamshari, another PLO member, was assassinated in Paris in December 1972.

  3. Mossad agents used a bomb hidden in a telephone to kill Hamshari.

  4. Hussein Al Bashir, a PLO operative in Cyprus, was killed by a bomb in his hotel room in January 1973.

  5. The operation also targeted Ali Hassan Salameh, the mastermind behind the Munich massacre.

Methods and Tactics

Mossad employed a variety of methods and tactics to carry out their mission. These strategies were often creative and highly secretive.

  1. Agents used letter bombs to target some individuals.

  2. They also employed car bombs to eliminate targets.

  3. Mossad operatives often posed as journalists, businessmen, or tourists.

  4. The agents received extensive training in languages, firearms, and explosives.

  5. They used safe houses across Europe to plan and execute their missions.

Controversies and Challenges

Operation Wrath of God was not without its controversies and challenges. These aspects added complexity to the already intricate operation.

  1. The Lillehammer affair was a major setback for Mossad.

  2. In Lillehammer, Norway, Mossad agents mistakenly killed an innocent Moroccan waiter, Ahmed Bouchiki, in 1973.

  3. The incident led to the arrest of several Mossad agents by Norwegian authorities.

  4. The operation faced criticism for its extrajudicial killings.

  5. Some countries were unhappy with Mossad's activities on their soil.

Impact and Legacy

The impact and legacy of Operation Wrath of God are still felt today. The operation had significant repercussions for both Israel and its adversaries.

  1. The operation instilled fear among Palestinian militants.

  2. It demonstrated Israel's resolve to protect its citizens.

  3. The operation inspired the 2005 film "Munich," directed by Steven Spielberg.

  4. It also led to increased security measures at international sporting events.

  5. The operation highlighted the capabilities of Mossad as a formidable intelligence agency.

Notable Figures Involved

Several notable figures played key roles in Operation Wrath of God. Their contributions were crucial to the operation's success.

  1. Zvi Zamir, the head of Mossad during the operation, oversaw many of the missions.

  2. Mike Harari, a senior Mossad officer, was instrumental in planning and executing the assassinations.

  3. Ehud Barak, who later became Israel's Prime Minister, participated in some missions disguised as a woman.

  4. Avner, a pseudonym for a Mossad agent, was the leader of one of the assassination teams.

  5. Rafi Eitan, another senior Mossad officer, played a significant role in the operation.

Long-term Consequences

The long-term consequences of Operation Wrath of God were far-reaching. These outcomes influenced future Israeli policies and actions.

  1. The operation led to the restructuring of Mossad's covert operations.

  2. It prompted other countries to enhance their counter-terrorism measures.

  3. The operation strained Israel's diplomatic relations with some European countries.

  4. It sparked debates about the ethics of targeted assassinations.

  5. The operation remains a subject of study in intelligence and counter-terrorism courses worldwide.

The Legacy of Operation Wrath of God

Operation Wrath of God left a lasting mark on history. This covert mission, launched by Israel, aimed to avenge the Munich massacre of 1972. Over the years, it targeted individuals linked to the Black September group. The operation showcased Israel's determination to protect its citizens and deter future attacks.

While controversial, the mission highlighted the complexities of international justice and counter-terrorism. It also raised questions about morality, legality, and the consequences of state-sponsored actions.

Operation Wrath of God remains a significant chapter in the ongoing struggle against terrorism. It serves as a reminder of the lengths nations will go to ensure security and justice. The operation's legacy continues to spark debate, reflecting the enduring challenges in balancing retribution and ethical considerations in global conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Operation Wrath of God?
Operation Wrath of God was a covert mission carried out by Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, aimed at hunting down and assassinating individuals involved in the Munich massacre. This tragic event occurred during the 1972 Summer Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were taken hostage and eventually killed by the Palestinian group Black September.
Who carried out Operation Wrath of God?
Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, spearheaded this secret operation. They formed a special team of agents whose sole mission was to locate and eliminate those responsible for the Munich massacre.
How long did Operation Wrath of God last?
This operation wasn't a quick strike; it spanned several years. Starting in the early 1970s, it continued well into the 1980s, showcasing Israel's commitment to tracking down the perpetrators.
Were there any controversies surrounding Operation Wrath of God?
Yes, indeed. The operation stirred significant international debate and controversy. Critics argued that the extrajudicial killings violated international law, while supporters claimed it was a necessary response to terrorism. One of the most contentious incidents was the Lillehammer affair, where an innocent Moroccan waiter was mistakenly assassinated, believing he was involved in the Munich attack.
How effective was Operation Wrath of God in achieving its goals?
Evaluating its effectiveness depends on who you ask. On one hand, it significantly disrupted Black September and other groups' operations, deterring potential attacks against Israel. On the other, it also escalated tensions and led to further acts of violence. Some argue it set a precedent for state-sponsored retaliation against terrorism.
Did Operation Wrath of God end terrorism against Israel?
While it dealt a blow to specific terrorist networks and deterred some future attacks, it didn't put an end to terrorism against Israel. Conflicts and attacks have continued, driven by a complex web of political and territorial disputes.
Can we learn any lessons from Operation Wrath of God?
Operation Wrath of God serves as a powerful study in counterterrorism, ethics, and the lengths a nation might go to protect its citizens. It raises important questions about the balance between justice and vengeance, the rule of law, and the effectiveness of such operations in deterring future acts of terrorism.

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