Personal account hints at Israeli senior officials planning a targeted operation against Yasser Arafat in 1981

Summary

Personal account hints at Israeli senior officials planning a targeted operation against Yasser Arafat in 1981 The passage provides a first‑hand recollection that senior Israeli figures (the defense minister, chief of staff, and a senior officer referred to as ‘Arik’) discussed and possibly initiated a plan to assassinate Yasser Arafat in Lebanon. It names specific actors and a timeframe, offering a concrete lead for further investigation into covert military planning and potential illegal orders. However, the account is anecdotal, lacks documentary corroboration, and does not detail financial transactions or direct orders, limiting its immediate actionable value. Key insights: The author was a senior officer reporting to the defense minister and chief of staff, but acknowledges ‘Arik’ as the de‑facto boss.; Arik explicitly expressed intent to target Arafat, stating the PLO leader was now a legitimate target.; Reference to prior personal experience in Unit 101 and Sayeret suggests a culture of independent operational planning.