Mossad History of Sophisticated Assassinations of Opposition Leaders

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Mossad History of Sophisticated Assassinations of Opposition Leaders

The Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, has a long history of using sophisticated assassination methods. Over the past seven decades, Mossad has employed creative and often unconventional techniques to target opposition leaders. From exploding books to poisoned toothpaste, their methods have evolved with time.

According to reports published in major outlets like The Telegraph, Financial Times, NBC, and CBC, Mossad’s operations have spanned the use of high-tech tools and devices. These include booby traps, letter bombs, paralyzing drugs, and even AI-powered robotic guns. Communication devices such as pagers, walkie-talkies, and mobile phones have also been used as deadly weapons in their missions.

Among the most notable leaders killed in these operations were figures like Hezbollah leader Nasrallah, Hamas political head Ismail Haniyeh, and Hamas military commander Muhammad Daif. Many other senior commanders, including Hezbollah’s Fawad Shukar and Ibrahim Qubaisi, were also targeted. Mossad’s operations have led to a significant toll on Hezbollah and Hamas leadership.

In one notable incident, hundreds of pagers exploded in Lebanon, killing 30 people and injuring thousands more in September 2006. Although Israel never claimed responsibility, many believed Mossad was behind the attack. Ten days later, Hezbollah leader Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Hezbollah’s Beirut headquarters.

Since the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, covert operations have intensified. Israel has been striking down senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures, as well as Iranian military officials. One such strike resulted in the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a bomb blast in Tehran, shocking Iran and the region.

Read: Israel Vows Retaliation After Alleged Killing of Hezbollah Leader Hassan Nasrallah

Mossad’s Capture of Nazi Officer Adolf Eichmann

Mossad’s history dates back even before Israel’s establishment in 1948. The Zionist underground movement assassinated British military officers and police who were considered obstacles to the creation of a Jewish state. One of Mossad’s most well-known operations was the capture of Nazi officer Adolf Eichmann in 1960. Eichmann, a mastermind behind the Holocaust, was tracked down in Argentina, captured, and brought to Israel for trial. He was eventually convicted and executed.

Mossad has also been linked to numerous other assassination attempts. In the 1970s, the agency reportedly tried to kill Iraqi President Saddam Hussein with a bomb hidden in a book. Although the plot failed, it became part of Mossad’s legacy of innovative assassination techniques. A similar method was used in Egypt’s Operation Damocles, where letter bombs targeted German scientists assisting Egypt’s rocket program.

One of Mossad’s more bizarre operations involved poisoned toothpaste. In 1978, the agency switched out Palestinian commander Wadi Haddad’s toothpaste with a poisoned version. Slowly, the poison seeped into his system, leading to his death in an Iraqi hospital.

Over the years, Mossad’s methods have evolved, incorporating the latest technology and intelligence. As Israel continues to face threats, its intelligence agency remains at the forefront of international espionage and targeted killings.