|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Israel’s “Hamal Nili” Operation: A Modern Echo of Justice in the Face of Terrorism
Edited by: Fern Sidman
Israel’s current counter-terrorism operation, launched in response to the devastating October 7, 2023, massacre, draws historical parallels to its response following the 1972 Munich massacre. As reported on Wednesday by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA), the Israel Security Agency (ISA) has initiated “Hamal Nili,” a methodical and resolute pursuit of justice, mirroring the Mossad’s famous “Wrath of God” operation that targeted those responsible for the murder of Israeli athletes by the Black September organization.
The October 7 massacre, during which approximately 3,000 terrorists launched a coordinated attack, resulting in the deaths of Israeli civilians and soldiers, catalyzed the formation of the ISA’s dedicated task force, “Hamal Nili.” According to the JCFA report by Yoni Ben Menachem, the name “Hamal Nili” is rooted in the Hebrew acronym for the verse “The eternity of Israel will not lie” (Samuel I, 15:29), symbolizing the resilience and determination of the Israeli people to overcome their adversaries.
The initiative originated with ISA field operatives and was swiftly approved by Ronen Bar, the head of the ISA. The operation underscores Israel’s commitment to justice and its ability to adapt its counter-terrorism strategies to address contemporary threats while maintaining historical and cultural significance.
As detailed in the report on the JCFA website, the “Hamal Nili” operation unfolds in several meticulously planned stages. The first stage is known as “Mapping” which uses advanced intelligence sources to identify the terrorists who participated in the massacre. The second stage is known as “Locating” which pinpoints the locations of identified terrorists through various intelligence-gathering techniques. The third stage is known as “Eliminating” as it neutralizes the perpetrators through targeted operations, ensuring no individual responsible escapes accountability.
A senior ISA official described the mission as “closing a circle,” emphasizing the operation’s goal of delivering justice for the victims and their families. The task force remains committed to its mission until all identified perpetrators are neutralized, demonstrating Israel’s steadfast resolve.
The JCFA report indicated significant progress in the “Hamal Nili” operation, with the ISA leveraging interrogations of captured terrorists and other intelligence sources to compile a detailed list of those responsible. Among the key figures eliminated so far are Jihad Kahloot, the commander of the murder and kidnappings near Kibbutz Mefalsim, Ahmed Wadia, the leader of the paraglider raid and massacre in Netiv HaAsara, Muhammad Abu Atiwi, the director of the massacre at the security room on Route 232 at Reim and Majdi Akilan, a commander involved in the Kibbutz Nahal Oz massacre.
Additionally, the operation has targeted members of Hamas’ elite Nukhba unit, which played a significant role in the attacks, as well as individuals responsible for the Nova music festival massacre.
The report on the JCFA website indicated that while the exact number of terrorists eliminated remains uncertain due to the ongoing nature of operations, the ISA continues to overcome significant challenges, including efforts by Hamas to conceal its losses. Despite these obstacles, the task force remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring every perpetrator is brought to justice.
Israel’s ability to systematically pursue those responsible for the October 7 massacre demonstrates its dedication to safeguarding its citizens and deterring future threats. By maintaining a calculated and persistent approach, “Hamal Nili” serves as both a means of justice and a symbol of national resilience.
As the JCFA report highlighted, Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks mirrors its historical precedent in addressing the 1972 Munich massacre. Both operations—“Wrath of God” and “Hamal Nili”—reflect Israel’s enduring resolve to hold perpetrators accountable and prevent future acts of terrorism.
By aligning its contemporary actions with the lessons of the past, Israel reaffirms its commitment to justice, resilience, and the protection of its people. As the operation continues, “Hamal Nili” will undoubtedly remain a critical chapter in the nation’s ongoing fight against terrorism and its pursuit of peace and security.
