Israel finally admits killing Arafat’s deputy in 1988 raid
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lifting a nearly 25-year veil of secrecy, Israel acknowledged today that it killed the deputy of Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat in a 1988 seaborne raid on Tunisia.
Two of those involved in the operation now hold high political office: the Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Vice Prime Minister Moshe Yaalon.
At the time, Mr Barak was deputy military chief, and Mr Yaalon was head of the Sayeret Matkal unit. Their precise roles in the operation were not divulged.
Israel has long been suspected of assassinating Khalil al-Wazir, better known as Abu Jihad.
But only now has the country’s military censor cleared the Yediot Ahronot daily to publish the information, including an interview with the commando who killed him, 12 years after the newspaper got the information.
“I shot him with a long burst of fire,” commando Nahum Lev told Yediot. “I was careful not to hurt his wife. He died,” Mr Lev told Yediot prior to his death in a motorcycle accident in 2000.
“Abu Jihad was involved in horrible acts against civilians. He was a dead man walking. I shot him without hesitation.”
Abu Jihad founded the Palestine Liberation Organisation with Mr Arafat and was blamed for a series of deadly attacks against Israelis. He organised the first Palestinian uprising against Israel, which began in December 1987. The following April, Israel killed him.
AP
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments