Israel's Covert Ops: From Exploding Books to Deadly Pagers

Israel's intelligence community has long been known for its unconventional approach to eliminating perceived threats. The recent reports of nine individuals potentially killed by exploding pagers align with this pattern, though Israel has not claimed responsibility for the incident as of September 17, 2024.

Mossad, Israel's primary intelligence agency, has been at the forefront of these operations since its establishment in 1949. Over its 75-year history, the agency has employed a wide array of innovative and sometimes controversial methods to neutralize targets.

One of the most unusual attempts involved an explosive-rigged book intended for Saddam Hussein in the 1970s. According to a 2012 documentary, the plot failed when the paranoid dictator refused to open the book himself, resulting in the death of an official instead.

Another notable operation targeted Wadie Haddad, a Palestinian militant leader, in 1978. Mossad agents allegedly infiltrated his home and replaced his toothpaste with a poisoned replica. The toxin, developed by Israeli scientists, reportedly caused a slow and agonizing death over ten days.

More recently, in 2021, a remote-controlled machine gun was purportedly used to assassinate Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, Iran's top nuclear scientist. This operation showcased Mossad's adaptation to modern technology in its covert activities.

Mossad's operations have not been limited to the Middle East. In January 2010, a team of agents posed as tennis players to carry out an assassination in Dubai. Using false passports, they targeted Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, a Hamas arms supplier, employing a paralytic drug in a hotel room.

"Occasional blunders have only enhanced the Mossad's aggressive and merciless reputation. Not a bad thing when the goal of deterrence is as important as the goal of pre-empting specific hostile acts."

While Mossad has faced criticism for its methods, the agency has also been involved in humanitarian efforts. In the 1980s, it played a crucial role in Operation Moses, which brought Ethiopian Jews to Israel. The agency has also been instrumental in tracking and disrupting terrorist networks worldwide.

As of 2024, Mossad is estimated to have around 7,000 employees and reports directly to the Prime Minister of Israel. The agency continues to evolve its tactics, developing advanced cyber capabilities for intelligence gathering and sabotage.

The recent incident involving exploding pagers, if confirmed to be a Mossad operation, would represent the latest chapter in the agency's long history of innovative and controversial tactics. As global security challenges continue to evolve, it's likely that Mossad will adapt its methods accordingly, maintaining its reputation as one of the world's most formidable intelligence agencies.