Olmert reveals intelligence breakthrough leading to Israel's 2007 strike on Syrian nuclear reactor

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert revealed new details regarding Israel's 2007 airstrike on a Syrian nuclear reactor in an interview with Channel 12. Olmert stated that the intelligence breakthrough originated with a Mossad officer, identified as "Anat," who, despite initial skepticism from superiors, instinctively believed Syria was pursuing a nuclear program. Her persistence led to the discovery of the reactor, which Olmert described as an existential threat to Israel. He recalled telling his advisors, "There is a nuclear reactor in Syria, we will destroy it." The operation involved extensive secrecy and preparations for potential war, with Olmert noting that then-US President George W. Bush remarked on the successful secrecy: "The fact that it didn't leak from us – it's a miracle." Olmert differentiated this nuclear threat from conventional attacks like October 7, emphasizing the catastrophic potential of a nuclear strike.