Internal Israeli military planning to target Yasser Arafat discussed by senior officials in 1981

Internal Israeli military planning to target Yasser Arafat discussed by senior officials in 1981 The passage reveals that senior Israeli officials (the defense minister, chief of staff, and a figure named Arik) were actively planning a military operation against Yasser Arafat in Lebanon, bypassing normal governmental approval processes. This suggests a possible covert decision‑making chain and potential war‑making authority that could be investigated for unauthorized actions, chain‑of‑command violations, and diplomatic fallout. While the names are not fully identified, the context ties high‑level military actors to a controversial target, offering concrete follow‑up leads (e.g., identify ‘Arik’, locate meeting minutes, cross‑reference with US diplomatic cables from Philip Habib). The claim is not widely reported, making it moderately novel and sensitive. Key insights: Senior Israeli officials discussed direct targeting of Yasser Arafat in 1981.; Arik claimed authority over both the defense minister and chief of staff.; Plans were allegedly made without formal government approval.