Saima Khan

The assassination of prominent figures has long been a tactic employed by the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Recent events have spotlighted this method, particularly in the context of escalating conflicts involving Israel, Hamas, and Hezbollah. Recent and one of the most significant incidents in this series of targeted killings was the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, a key Hamas leader, in Tehran. This article explores the context, implications, and history of such assassinations, with a particular focus on the Haniyeh case and its broader ramifications.

Mossad, Israel’s national intelligence agency, has been involved in numerous covert operations over the years, including assassinations. These operations are often shrouded in secrecy, and Mossad rarely officially claims responsibility. Many operations attributed to Israeli intelligence agencies are not officially confirmed, and the true extent of their global actions might not be publicly known.Due to political sensitivity and possible diplomatic debacles, these operations are veiled in secrecy and influenced by ongoing regional conflicts and international relations. However, these cases are widely attributed to the agency based on intelligence assessments, investigations, and reports.

Mossad thrives on secrecy, mystery, and occasional, spectacularly public blunders. Their operations are so covert, even they sometimes lose track of whether they are executing a mission or accidentally starting an international incident. You would think they would have mastered the art of stealth by now, but instead, they have turned botched operations into a high-stakes game of “Guess What Went Wrong?” From their diplomatic disasters that could easily win awards for international faux pas, to their uncanny ability to turn routine assassinations into global soap operas, Mossad’s track record in covert operations is a thrilling mix of the heroic and the hilariously disastrous. Mossad does not need a cloak of secrecy much when it is fully capable of creating its own diplomatic drama that made international headlines.

KIDON UNIT OF MOSSAD

The Kidon unit, an elite special operations group within Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency, is renowned for its expertise in targeted assassinations. Operating under a cloak of secrecy, Kidon has played a pivotal role in Israel’s national security, executing high-stakes missions with precision and discretion and some are like a mix of sloppinessmeets recklessness—the perfect recipe for a mission gone spectacularly wrong. From its inception to its recent operations, Kidon continues to be a formidable force in safeguarding Israel’s interests on the global stage, but its success and failures have come with diplomatic train wreck or diplomatic disasters.

                                      Snapshot of Key Information on Mossad’s Kidon Unit

Category	Details
Unit Name	Kidon
Affiliation	Mossad, Israel’s National Intelligence Agency
Operational Focus	Targeted assassinations, covert operations
Motto	“Silent, Swift, Deadly” (unofficial, encapsulates operational philosophy)
Symbols	Shrouded in secrecy, reflecting themes of vigilance, precision, and national security
Name Meaning	“Kidon” means “bayonet” or “tip of the spear” in Hebrew
Established	Early 1970s, under Mossad’s Caesarea Division
Missions	– Operation Wrath of God (Munich Olympics Massacre)
	– Assassinations of Iranian nuclear scientists
	– Various high-profile operations including in Lebanon, Europe, and the Middle East
Operational Structure	Part of Mossad’s Caesarea Division; operates in hit squads with roles like reconnaissance, logistics, assistance, and assassination
Recruitment	Recruits individuals with exceptional skills in combat, intelligence, and languages; occasional foreign recruitment
Training	Rigorous training and testing to meet stringent requirements
Cooperation	Collaborates with Israeli defense bodies and foreign intelligence services for joint missions
Equipment	Advanced, classified arsenal like Israeli Defense Forces (e.g., Tavor TAR-21, Barrett M82, Uzi Pro, and possibly specialised assassination tools)
Stellar Failures	– Lillehammer Affair (mistakenly assassinated Ahmed Boushiki)
	– Failed assassination of Khaled Mashal in Jordan
Outlook	Likely integration of cyber elements, enhanced cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies, and recruitment of diverse skill sets to address evolving threats
Strategic Importance	A key element in Israel’s national security strategy, focusing on neutralizing external threats

               COMPARING MOSSAD WITH OTHER MAJOR INTELLIGENCE AGENCIES

This table provides a comparative overview of how Mossad stands in relation to other major intelligence agencies in terms of their organizational structure, operational focus, and impact on global intelligence practices.

Aspect	Mossad	CIA	MI6	KGB (Historical)
Organizational Structure	Divisions for intelligence collection, political action, covert operations, and technological innovation	Directorates for Operations, Analysis, Science & Technology, and Support	Sections focused on geographic regions and intelligence disciplines	Divided into First Chief Directorate (foreign intelligence) and Second Chief Directorate (counterintelligence)
Operational Focus	Combines cutting-edge technology with HUMINT; aggressive pre-emption and targeted assassinations	Heavy emphasis on SIGINT and drone warfare; covert operations	Focus on HUMINT and covert operations; traditional espionage	Broad scope including espionage, counterintelligence, and political repression
Geopolitical Context	Operates in a high-threat region because of Israel’s barbarity; pre-empts threats before they evolve (e.g., Operation Orchard)	Operates from nations with geographical buffers; focus on intelligence gathering and response	Operates from relatively secure regions; emphasis on espionage	Operated in a superpower context; extensive domestic and international activities
Operational Methods	Deep HUMINT infiltration; targeted assassinations; pre-emptive strikes Kidon: This unit uses advanced training, cutting-edge technology, and planning to carry out missions around the world while minimizing collateral damage and political backlash. Kidon also maintains a shadowy presence and uses surprise to its advantage.	SIGINT, satellite imagery, drone strikes; covert operations	HUMINT; covert operations; traditional espionage	Extensive HUMINT and SIGINT; wide-ranging influence and repression
Legal and Ethical Considerations	Often break boundaries & flout international law with targeted assassinations	Similar activities but under more public scrutiny and legal frameworks	Conducts covert operations with a focus on traditional espionage	Operated with less international scrutiny; methods included extensive surveillance and repression
Global Influence and Collaborations	Significant partnerships with CIA and MI6; played role in shaping strategies (e.g., Iraq invasion)	Collaborates on intelligence matters including ‘counterterrorism’ and military operations	Collaborates on various intelligence matters; similar partnerships with allied agencies	Extensive global influence during Cold War; partnerships within Soviet bloc
Impact on Global Intelligence Practices	Innovative tactics such as cyberattacks (e.g., Stuxnet); sets standards in cyber warfare	Adopts various tactics and technologies influenced by its practices and allies	Influences global intelligence practices with a focus on espionage	Methods influenced Soviet and Eastern Bloc intelligence practices

Sources: Katikar, H. (2024). Mossad covert operations: A study of strategic intelligence and execution. EC-Council. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/382973162_Mossad_Covert_Operations_A_Study_of_Strategic_Intelligence_and_Execution. https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.34350.11847

Servida, G. (2024, April 28). Kidon: Mossad’s tip of the spear. Grey Dynamics. https://greydynamics.com/kidon-mossads-tip-of-the-spear-2/

First, we start with Mossad’s botched operations:

Mossad’s Botched Operations

Mossad’s botched operations are a masterclass in how to turn a covert mission into a global spectacle. Who knew that mistakenly killing a waiter or getting caught with a poisoned leader could make international headlines? It is almost as if they are trying to prove that even intelligence agencies have a knack for turning a precision plan or strike into a comedy of errors.

Mossad’s history with targeted assassinations is marked by both precision and brazen blunders, reflecting the complex nature of covert operations. While the Israeli intelligence agency has earned a reputation for its precision and effective strikes against high-value targets, its operations have occasionally encountered significant setbacks. For instance, the 1973 assassination of Ahmed Bouchikhi, and the brother of the French musician Chico Bouchikhi, a Moroccan waiter mistakenly identified as a key Palestinian operative, exposed Israeli operatives, and led to diplomatic fallout: the Lillehammer Affair—a shining example of what happens when “attention to detail” takes a vacation. Nothing says, “elite assassination unit” like KIDON quite like mistaking an innocent Moroccan waiter for a notorious ‘terrorist.’ In 1997, Mossad agents in Jordan poisoned Hamas leader Khaled Mashal but were caught, necessitating a diplomatic resolution that included administering an antidote to Mashal, brought from Israel, and releasing several Hamas militants from Israeli custody as compensation. Additionally, the 2010 assassination of a Hamas commander in Dubai led to the exposure of more than two dozen operatives, whose identities were widely publicized. On a serious note, these botched operations attenuate the challenges and risks inherent in targeted killings, highlighting that even elite intelligence agencies like Mossad are not immune to errors that can have serious diplomatic and operational repercussions.

Historical Context and Operational Challenges

Mossad’s approach to targeted assassinations has a long history, dating back to its early days. One of the most infamous operations was the assassination of Palestinians linked to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, known as Operation Wrath of God. This operation established Mossad’s reputation for relentless pursuit of its adversaries.

In more recent years, Israel has continued this practice, targeting key figures in various militant organizations. The assassination of Saleh al-Arouri in Beirut in January 2024 and the subsequent killing of Fuad Shukr and Ismail Haniyeh are part of a broader pattern of such operations. These actions are designed to disrupt the operations of Hamas and Hezbollah, but they also carry significant risks, including potential blowback and the escalation of violence.

Here are some of the well-known leaders and figures reportedly killed by Mossad:

1. Ghassan Kanafani (1972)
   1. Position: Palestinian writer and spokesperson for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
   1. Location: Beirut, Lebanon
   1. Details: Kanafani was killed in a car bomb explosion. He was a prominent figure in the Palestinian resistance and Mossad targeted him for his involvement in the PFLP.
2. Ali Hassan Salameh (1979)
   1. Position: Chief of operations for Black September, a Palestinian militant group
   1. Location: Beirut, Lebanon
   1. Details: Salameh, who was behind the Munich Olympic massacre, was killed in a car bomb explosion in Beirut as part of Mossad’s “Operation Wrath of God.”
3. Wadie Haddad (1978)
   1. Position: Leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)
   1. Location: East Germany
   1. Details: Haddad was reportedly poisoned by Mossad in a complex operation. He was responsible for several high-profile hijackings and attacks against Israel.
4. Yehya El Mashad (1980)
   1. Position: Egyptian nuclear scientist
   1. Location: Paris, France
   1. Details: El Mashad was involved in Iraq’s nuclear program. He was killed in his Paris hotel room, and Mossad is widely believed to be responsible.
5. Abu Jihad (Khalil al-Wazir) (1988)
   1. Position: Co-founder and military leader of Fatah
   1. Location: Tunis, Tunisia
   1. Details: Abu Jihad was killed in a raid on his home, reportedly by Mossad, for his involvement in planning and executing attacks against Israel.
6. Gerald Bull (1990)
   1. Position: Canadian scientist and weapons engineer
   1. Location: Brussels, Belgium
   1. Details: Bull was assassinated by a gunshot outside his apartment. He was working on “Project Babylon” to develop a supergun for Iraq, which could have threatened Israel.
7. Fathi Shaqaqi (1995)
   1. Position: Leader of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad
   1. Location: Malta
   1. Details: Shaqaqi was assassinated in a drive-by shooting in Malta. Mossad targeted him due to his role in orchestrating attacks against Israel.
8. Imad Mughniyeh (2008)
   1. Position: Senior military commander of Hezbollah
   1. Location: Damascus, Syria
   1. Details: Mughniyeh was killed in a car bombing, reportedly by Mossad, for his involvement in attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets worldwide.
9. Mahmoud al-Mabhouh (2010)
   1. Position: Senior Hamas military commander
   1. Location: Dubai, UAE
   1. Details: Al-Mabhouh was found dead in a Dubai hotel room, with Mossad orchestrating the assassination due to Mahmoud role in arms smuggling to Gaza.
10. Izz El-Deen Sheikh Khalil (2004)
    1. Position: Hamas official
    1. Location: Damascus, Syria
    1. Details: Khalil was killed in a car bombing in Damascus, believed to be carried out by Mossad due to his role in orchestrating attacks against Israel.
11. Sheikh Ahmed Yassin (2004)
    1. Position: Founder and Spiritual Leader of Hamas
    1. Location: Gaza City, Gaza Strip
    1. Details: On March 22, 2004, Sheikh Ahmed Yassin was assassinated by an Israeli helicopter missile strike as he was leaving a mosque after early morning prayers. The attack resulted in the death of Yassin and nine other individuals.
12. Ali Hassan Salameh (1979)
    1. Position: Chief of operations for Black September, a Palestinian militant group
    1. Location: Beirut, Lebanon
    1. Details: Salameh, who was behind the Munich Olympic massacre, was killed in a car bomb explosion in Beirut as part of Mossad’s “Operation Wrath of God.”
13. Yehya El Mashad (1980)
    1. Position: Egyptian nuclear scientist
    1. Location: Paris, France
    1. Details: El Mashad was involved in Iraq’s nuclear program. He was killed in his Paris hotel room, and Mossad is widely believed to be responsible.
14. Imad Mughniyeh (2008)
    1. Position: Senior military commander of Hezbollah
    1. Location: Damascus, Syria
    1. Details: Mughniyeh was killed in a car bombing, reportedly by Mossad, for his involvement in attacks against Israeli and Jewish targets worldwide.
15. Gerald Bull (1990)
    1. Position: Canadian scientist and weapons engineer
    1. Location: Brussels, Belgium
    1. Details: Bull was assassinated by a gunshot outside his apartment. He was working on “Project Babylon” to develop a supergun for Iraq, which could have threatened Israel.
16. Mahmoud al-Mabhouh (2010)
    1. Position: Senior Hamas military commander
    1. Location: Dubai, UAE
    1. Details: Al-Mabhouh was found dead in a Dubai hotel room, with Mossad being widely suspected of orchestrating the assassination due to his role in arms smuggling to Gaza.
17. Baha Abu al-Ata (2019)
    1. Position: Senior commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza
    1. Location: Gaza Strip
    1. Details: Abu al-Ata was killed in an Israeli airstrike. He was targeted for his role in planning and executing rocket attacks against Israel.
18. Mohsen Fakhrizadeh (2020)
    1. Position: Iranian nuclear scientist
    1. Location: Absard, Iran
    1. Details: Fakhrizadeh was killed in a highly sophisticated ambush. Israeli intelligence is suspected of being behind the operation due to his role in Iran’s nuclear program, although this has not been officially confirmed.
19. Qasem Soleimani (2020)
    1. Position: Iranian Major General and commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)
    1. Location: Baghdad, Iraq
    1. Details: Although this assassination was carried out by the U.S., Israel is often linked with similar operations against Iranian figures due to its close alliance with the U.S. and shared interests in countering Iranian influence.
20. Fadi Abu Shkhaydam (2021)
    1. Position: Palestinian shooter
    1. Location: Jerusalem, Israel
    1. Details: Abu Shkhaydam was involved in a shooting attack in Jerusalem. He was neutralized by Israeli security forces during the attack.
21. Ahmed Jibril (2021)
    1. Position: Leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine – General Command (PFLP-GC)
    1. Location: Damascus, Syria
    1. Details: Jibril died of natural causes, but he was a target for Israeli operations due to his group’s involvement in attacks against Israeli interests.
22. Iyad al-Hallaq (2020)
    1. Position: Palestinian man with autism
    1. Location: Jerusalem, Israel
    1. Details: While not a targeted killing of a leader, al-Hallaq was shot and killed by Israeli police in an incident that has drawn significant international attention and controversy.
23. Saleh al-Arouri (2024)
    1. Position: Deputy Leader of Hamas
    1. Date of Assassination: January 2, 2024
    1. Location: Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon
    1. Details: Al-Arouri was killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting an office in the Dahieh suburbs of Beirut. The strike also resulted in the deaths of six others, including high-ranking Hamas militants. The attack caused additional civilian casualties, with Lebanon’s Health Ministry reporting three deaths (including two children) and seventy-four injuries.
24. Fuad Shukr (2024)
    1. Position: Senior Commander of Hezbollah
    1. Date of Assassination: July 30, 2024
    1. Location: Beirut, Lebanon
    1. Details: Fuad Shukr was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the southern suburb of Beirut, specifically targeting an area associated with Hezbollah. The strike resulted in the deaths of three people, including two children, and wounded seventy-four others.
25. Ismail Haniyeh (2024)
    1. Position: Political Leader of Hamas
    1. Date of Assassination: July 31, 2024
    1. Location: Tehran, Iran
    1. Details: On July 31, 2024, Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in a missile strike in Tehran while attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president. Mossad targeted him due to his role in the Hamas leadership and his involvement in ceasefire negotiations with Israel. This assassination was part of a broader Israeli strategy to disrupt key figures in militant organizations and exert pressure on Hamas amid escalating regional tensions.

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The Assassination of Ismail Haniyeh

On July 31, 2024, Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, was killed in a missile strike while in Tehran for the inauguration of Iran’s new president. This assassination marked a dramatic escalation in the Israeli-Hamas conflict and reflected a significant shift in Israeli strategy. Just hours before Haniyeh’s death, a similar Israeli strike in Beirut killed Fuad Shukr, a senior Hezbollah commander, intensifying regional tensions.

Haniyeh’s assassination was reportedly part of a broader Israeli campaign targeting leaders of militant groups involved in attacks against Israel. This action came amidst heightened conflict following a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which had already led to severe retaliatory strikes by the Israeli military. These high-profile assassinations align with a pattern of Israeli actions targeting key figures of organizations deemed as threats. The elimination of Haniyeh, who was involved in ceasefire negotiations, suggests a strategic intent to disrupt potential peace processes, continue with the genocide of Palestinians, grab and occupy more Palestinian land, and exert continued pressure on Hamas.

Strategic Objectives and International Reactions

The killing of Haniyeh was seen by many as a deliberate move by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to undermine ongoing ceasefire negotiations facilitated by the United States. According to reports, the U.S. had secretly mediated a meeting between Israeli and Iranian representatives, which involved sharing a list of alleged Mossad agents operating in Iran. This exchange was interpreted as a gesture by the U.S. to distance itself from the recent Israeli operations.

The situation in the Middle East has indeed reached a critical point, with recent targeted assassinations by Israel exacerbating regional tensions. The U.S. response, described as maintaining business as usual, contrasts sharply with the intensified conflict stemming from genocide of Palestinians and Israel’s actions against key figures in Hamas and Hezbollah. This escalation has raised fears of a broader, potentially disastrous regional war, as retaliatory measures from affected groups and nations could further destabilize the area.

Mossad’s Methodology and Ethical Considerations

Mossad’s methodology involves sophisticated intelligence gathering and operational planning. However, targeted assassinations are fraught with diplomatic, ethical, and legal challenges. Human rights organizations and international observers have frequently questioned the morality and legality of these operations, particularly when they result in civilian casualties or diplomatic tensions.

The Israeli Supreme Court has ruled that targeted killings are permissible under specific circumstances, provided they are carried out with due consideration for the risk to innocent bystanders. Despite this, the effectiveness of such operations is debated, with critics arguing that they often lead to exacerbation of conflict and retaliation rather than achieving long-term security.

The Future of Targeted Assassinations

As Israel continues to grapple with complex regional dynamics and shifting alliances, the use of targeted assassinations remains a central component of its ‘counterterrorism’ strategy. The assassinations of Haniyeh and other key figures illustrate the high stakes involved in this approach and the potential for significant geopolitical consequences.

While Mossad’s operations are designed to achieve strategic objectives and send a clear message to adversaries, they also highlight the challenges of balancing security concerns and objectives with ethical and diplomatic considerations. The ongoing debate over these tactics reflects broader questions about the role of targeted killings in modern conflict and their impact on efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.

David Barnea, the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, issued a stark warning to Palestinian militants involved in the October 7 attack on Israel, likening them to those who signed their own death warrants. His comments draw a parallel to the historical Operation Wrath of God, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to tracking down adversaries regardless of location. Norman Roule, a former CIA officer, pointed to the sophistication of the operations involved in killing Saleh al-Arouri, highlighting the significant intelligence and surveillance capabilities required. Roule emphasized the complexity of targeting a well-organized and armed organization like Hamas compared to the past. Leon Panetta, the former CIA Director, said the challenges associated with targeted killings, noting that while Israel’s methods might be effective, they require substantial intelligence and resources to ensure accuracy. He compared it to the extensive efforts required for successful operations against Al Qaeda. Dan Raviv, the co-author of “Spies Against Armageddon: Inside Israel’s Secret Wars” critically pointed out that targeted killings, while intended to disrupt adversaries, often fail to produce lasting results, as they do not resolve the underlying issues fueling conflict. This view highlights the limitations of such measures in achieving long-term peace. Basem Naim, from Hamas, indicated that the group’s leadership is aware of the constant threat from targeted assassinations but has proven resilient and adaptable. This resilience challenges the notion that targeted killings alone can dismantle organizations like Hamas.

The Role of Qatar and UAE

Qatar and the UAE have played significant roles in mediating regional conflicts and negotiating cease-fires. Despite these efforts, the targeted killings have put additional strain on diplomatic channels. Qatar, which hosts Hamas’ political headquarters, and the UAE, with its advanced surveillance capabilities, have been crucial in negotiations, including recent talks facilitated by the U.S. to mediate between Israel and Hamas. The assassinations of high-profile leaders, particularly in territories under the influence of these Gulf states, could undermine these diplomatic efforts. While Israel has generally avoided direct actions in countries like Qatar and the UAE due to their sophisticated security apparatus, the recent strikes suggest a shift towards more aggressive tactics.

Impact on the Palestinian Struggle

The targeted killings of Hamas leaders have had a profound impact on the Palestinian struggle. Historically, the assassination of leaders has not significantly disrupted the operations or resilience of Palestinian factions. For instance, the killing of influential figures like Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in 2004 and more recent leaders has led to the emergence of new leadership that continues the struggle against Israeli policies. The ability of Hamas to quickly replace its leaders reflects its organizational resilience. Despite the tactical advantage of eliminating top figures, such actions often lead to further radicalization and a strengthening of resolve among Palestinian groups. The consistent replacement of leaders suggests that while individual assassinations may achieve short-term objectives, they do not necessarily lead to a long-term weakening of the movement.

Escalation of Regional Conflict

The recent assassinations, particularly those involving Haniyeh and Shukr, signal an escalation of Israeli military strategies beyond the borders of Gaza and into neighboring territories. These actions have the potential to provoke severe retaliatory measures from both Hamas and Hezbollah, increasing the risk of a wider regional conflict. Israel’s aggressive stance, including its recent strikes and the broader strategy of targeted killings, may be aimed at achieving specific strategic goals but also risks igniting a larger conflict. This showcases a broader pattern of escalation and expansion of conflict that could destabilize the region further, complicating efforts for a peaceful resolution.

The author is a researcher associated with The Strategic Brief