Israeli Defense Minister recounts internal debate over pre‑emptive strike on Syrian reactor, citing coordination with Mossad, US, and Prime Minister Olmert

Israeli Defense Minister recounts internal debate over pre‑emptive strike on Syrian reactor, citing coordination with Mossad, US, and Prime Minister Olmert The passage provides a first‑hand account of high‑level decision‑making on a potential Israeli strike against a Syrian nuclear facility, naming key officials (Olmert, Defense Minister, chief of staff, Mossad) and indicating US involvement. It suggests concrete lines of inquiry into classified operational plans, inter‑agency coordination, and possible undisclosed diplomatic communications, but lacks specific dates, locations, or financial details that would make it a blockbuster. Key insights: Defense Minister claims he was working with Mossad and the United States to develop a ‘fail‑safe’ plan to destroy the Syrian reactor.; Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is portrayed as pushing for an immediate strike, creating internal friction.; Two operational options are described: a large‑scale force risking full‑scale war, and a smaller, untested targeted operation.