by Uzi Eilam
“Ah, I’ve heard good things about him. He’s a professional and a dedicated fighter. I’ll be happy to work with him.”
“Okay, Nimer,” Mughniyeh concluded. “I’ll let you wrap up handling the missile, and you should also get some rest. We have a long, tiring flight awaiting us, and a lengthy marathon of activity to deal with after we land, as well.”
***
Foz do Iguaço International Airport, built about seven miles from the city, had only one runway, and the designation “International” was more indicative of wishful thinking on the part of the government in the Brazilian sector of the free-trade zone than of actual activity taking place at the airport. The Airbus plane landed late at night, stopping next to the main building. The passengers were required to walk to the entrance of the terminal and wait for their luggage, which soon arrived on the carousel. A small number of greeters were waiting for the passengers. Among the taxi drivers carrying signs, Imad Mughniyeh and Nimer had no problem recognizing Saleh Yassin. He was accompanied by two people whose role as bodyguards was unmistakable.
“Welcome to Brazil,” Yassin called out while embracing Mughniyeh and kissing him on the cheek. One member of the security detail moved swiftly, snatching the travelers’ luggage away from them.
“Please meet Dr. Nimesdorf, a technological expert on a variety of subjects, who has volunteered to work with us and has already demonstrated his abilities in numerous projects.”
“Welcome, doctor,” Yassin said, shaking Nimer’s hand firmly. “We’re looking forward to working with you and learning some new things….”
“Thank you, Yassin,” Nimer replied in English. “Your reputation precedes you, and I would be happy to have you teach me some of the things that only you know…”
“Thanks, doctor, but let’s not waste time here at the airport. You must be tired after your long flight and you deserve to rest. We’ll drive straight to our ‘farm’ and begin all the briefings tomorrow morning.”
* * *
15 The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, known as the Non-Proliferation Treaty or NPT, is an international treaty intended to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, to promote cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. The treaty was negotiated between 1965 and 1968 by the Eighteen Nation Committee on Disarmament, a UN-sponsored organization based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Chapter 20
Gideon rose at an early hour, as was his habit, not relinquishing his hour at the gym. He saw it as his duty to pop into the office and skim through the email that had accumulated over the last two days. In fact, he knew it was a respite of sorts from the pressure of recent events and from Nahari’s constant prodding. Noga, the administrative assistant, hurried in to pamper him with a tiny cup of espresso and some Bundt cake, but he sipped the coffee quickly and said he was rushing off to meet Dan and the Talpiot team.
Something’s going on and I cannot put my finger on it, he thought. I hope the young people find a lead that will clear away the thick fog enveloping us. If they haven’t figured out the secret, there’s no one in Israel who can do it, he concluded.
“Good morning, my Big Data geniuses,” Gideon called out when he entered the room where the young men had been working for long hours, with almost no sleep.
“We’ve tackled some complex work in the last couple of days. We’ve managed to filter out the sea of data with which Mughniyeh’s people and the Iranians have flooded the network. What’s emerging now, almost certainly, is that an attack or a series of attacks is about to be carried out in Brazil and Argentina. We believe the free-trade zone between the three countries, Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, the IBT, is the place where the operation will be set.”
“And yet, Gideon,” Eviatar from the Mossad chimed in, “there are indications on the network, quite conclusive ones, of terrorist attacks in the United States itself and ones targeting Israel. Whoever planted those pieces of information did a thorough job that requires us to develop special analytics for our Big Data system.”
“The IBT free-trade zone,” Gideon clarified, “has been on the radar of intelligence agencies and institutions monitoring drug trafficking and money laundering for quite a while now. However, to the same extent, we know this area houses mafia and terrorist organizations. We must not forget,” Gideon emphasized, “the murderous attacks in Buenos Aires during the years 1992 and 1994. A car bomb blew up next to the Israeli Embassy building and twenty-nine innocent bystanders were killed. In the second attack, at the city’s Jewish cultural center, a suicide bomber caused the death of eighty-five people…”
“I wonder what they know today about the circumstances of those attacks, and whether they’ve managed to identify the perpetrators,” Dan queried.
“Let’s not forget the Nazis who found shelter in Argentina, Chile and Brazil, thanks to the funds that bought them quiet lives,” Eviatar continued. “To this day we still have not found a way to monitor the communications of the Nazi organizations. Let me remind you that we’ve found indications of a connection between Mughniyeh and the Nazi underground that has apparently established a stronghold in the area…”
“It took time for the Argentinian government to initiate a thorough investigation of the attacks, and it’s unclear what role the influence of Iranian funds played in the delay,” Gideon conveyed the big picture. “Ultimately, we know the perpetrators were mainly Hezbollah members. Their solid base of operations was the town of Foz do Iguaço in the IBT free-trade zone. Among the tens of thousands of Muslims who have been settling in the area for many years now are many Lebanese, and it’s only natural that Hezbollah’s people have received support from them. I’m also not surprised that the Nazi underground, comprised of the second generations of Nazis who found shelter in the countries of South America, has established a base of operations for itself in the free-trade zone. Dan, you should check whether the farm that the Nazis purchased – from which various terrorism assistance efforts were conducted – is still operational.”
“We noted Iranian involvement as well,” Eviatar said. “To what extent were they responsible for the terror attacks in the Nineties?”
“It’s obvious that Hezbollah is also, and perhaps primarily, Iran’s operational arm. The Revolutionary Guard, inspired by the Supreme Leader, is pulling the strings. The role played by Imad Mughniyeh in managing the preparations and the attacks themselves has also been proven in investigations conducted by Argentina and intelligence agencies throughout the world…”
“There’s something else you’re refraining from mentioning,” Dan intervened, relying on his deep familiarity with his father-in-law and his body language. “What else have you found out?”
“Ahh… you’re right. There was actually a quite substantiated theory regarding an instruction by the Iranian Supreme Leader to threaten that those attacks would be carried out as a way of punishing Argentina if it didn’t fulfill its agreement to supply Iran with fuel developed especially for its small research reactor. This was a reactor gifted to Iran back in the days of the Shah as part of the ‘Atoms for Peace’ plan16. After Khomeini rose to power, the Americans stopped supplying the Teheran reactor with 95% enriched fuel. Iran thought it could kill two birds with one stone—both a terrorist attack that would kill many Jews, and applying pressure on Argentina through a major attack on its northern neighbor. That way, the Iranians believed, they could prod the government in Argentina into fulfilling the terms of the agreement to upgrade the nuclear reactor in Teheran.”
“Hold on a minute, Gideon,” Itzik from the Military Intelligence Directorate interjected. “Are you telling me that the nuclear topic is the key one? Is it ‘to blame’ for Iran’s support of the terrorist attacks that will be carried out in São Paulo, and perhaps in Buenos Aires as well?”
“That reminds me,” Dan chimed in, “that we’ve id
entified a lead that we still haven’t linked to anything concrete, concerning contact that Mughniyeh and one of his assistants were apparently requested by Iran to initiate with the Argentinean nuclear development agency. Do you think, Gideon, that the subject is still pertinent? If it is, then we must do all we can to put a stop to both of these matters”! Dan exclaimed.
Why does this affair remind me of something from my childhood? Gideon wondered. I remember there was once a clever fox that knew how to escape a trap that my Arab childhood friend set. We managed to track him from inside a cave and discovered his trick. While here, we’re dealing with a few traps, and with a few foxes as well.
“You hit the nail on the head, Dan,” Gideon returned to reality. “I think we have to pass these findings on to Nahari. I’ll coordinate an urgent meeting with him; it is important that you prepare your presentation regarding the planned terror attacks that he needs to know about. I’ll suggest including Dr. Gerald Deutsch, who arrived at the American Embassy in Tel Aviv yesterday, in the meeting as well. I’ll let you all know when the meeting will take place.”
***
Gideon had no problems coordinating the meeting with Nahari, who agreed to invite the American as well, and instructed that his schedule be cleared with no time limitations. When Gideon and the group of young men entered Nahari’s office, Nahari’s assistants, headed by Binyamin, were already in attendance, sitting in taut expectation.
“We have got Dr. Gerald Deutsch here with us. He arrived from the U.S. with the blessing of the CIA and the NSA, and will be joining our efforts,” Gideon began. “Gerald Deutsch is not a newcomer to our region, and I’m glad he’s agreed to help us and be our contact person to two important intelligence agencies within the American government.”
“Welcome, Dr. Deutsch,” Nahari interjected succinctly. “What do you have to tell us this morning?” he directed a piercing look at Gideon, at Deutsch, and then at each of the young researchers, who shifted uncomfortably in their chairs.
“Our young people have some findings that seem important. There are indications of preparations for a massive terrorist attack aimed at several Israeli and American targets in São Paulo. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard and its delegates from Hezbollah intend to harm Jewish organizations, primarily the city’s main synagogue,” Gideon declared confidently. “Use of Big Data analytics has also revealed that our old acquaintance Imad Mughniyeh is involved, and might be spearheading this entire plan, intended to eclipse in scope the attacks he orchestrated in Argentina’s capital in the early Nineties. I suggest that we hear a survey regarding the essence of the planned attacks, as well as additional topics we’ve uncovered concerning strategic threats, including possible involvement by an underground Nazi organization that is apparently cooperating with Iran and Hezbollah. I believe these topics are highly urgent, and therefore, Nahari, I’ve asked you to listen to a specification of the team’s findings.”
“OK, let’s hear it. Who’s going first — Dan?”
“We’ve achieved a breakthrough, Mr. Nahari. We’ve managed to hack into Imad Mughniyeh’s communication channels. The Talpiot crew sitting here has developed a clever algorithm that overcame the digital firewall the Iranians use. While dealing with their cyber-defenses, sir, we discovered fingerprints indicating North Korean cyber involvement. This verified our assessment that Iran and North Korea are collaborating…”
“We’re aware of this connection between Iran and North Korea,” Nahari cut him short. “It began with the aid Iran received from North Korea in developing long-range missiles. After the Iran-Iraq war ended with a searing Iranian defeat, it decided to develop and arm itself with long-range missiles, as well as begin to develop nuclear weapons. We know all that, Dan. But what have you found out about the planned attacks in South America? That seems like the most time-sensitive topic to me. I’m mostly disturbed by the Nazi involvement.”
“The data is still unclear, sir. But in any case, we believe Imad Mughniyeh is already on his way to South America. We haven’t managed to find out which identity he’ll be using there. The nickname ‘Super-Chameleon’ still underestimates the man’s ability to slip under the radar. We’re currently focusing on tracking the Hezbollah members’ activity in the town of Foz do Iguaço. Hezbollah has established a training facility there serving as a point of departure for their attacks. We’ve discovered that the notorious explosives specialist, the Lebanese Saleh Yassin, permanently resides at the training farm established by Hezbollah. They’re ready to receive Mughniyeh, who’s accompanied by another man who, for some reason, doesn’t seem Lebanese or Iranian to us.”
“Who is he?”
“Uhm… We’re still not sure, but apparently, he’s a German scientist…”
“What do you recommend, Gideon, regarding immediate steps to take? Mughniyeh might already be on his way there, but I’m not sure we should involve the Brazilian authorities at this stage. On the other hand, we can’t waste any time in taking steps to protect the targeted sites.”
“Now is the time to establish our base of operations. Maybe it would be better to initially locate it in the free-trade zone, and only later get settled in the city of São Paulo. I’ve gathered from our cyber team that they need to be close to the area in order to more efficiently utilize the digital system that they have constructed for using Big Data and other surveillance methods as well as additional activity. My assessment, Nahari, indicates the possible use of modern car bombs in the attack on the targets. They have backup in case activation of the car bombs fails, consisting of missiles shot from a distance, from an unknown area outside the city. These are very accurate missiles, and are probably guided as well, to be aimed mostly at the prime target—the large synagogue in the city.”
“Hold on a minute, Gideon. You have to clarify the topic of the car bombs. What’s going on there?”
“These are cars with an option of autonomous operation,” Dan stepped in. “You could program them to operate without human intervention or control them remotely. We’re currently working on an optional algorithm that would allow us to hack into the cars and seize control of them.”
“And what do we know about the missiles? Is there even an option that Hezbollah could smuggle something like that into Brazil?”
“The Iranians have made much progress in developing accurate surface-to-surface missiles. We also know they’ve integrated that precision capability into missiles with a range of several miles. Hezbollah considers it to be their trump card in the battle with Israel. From Dan and the team, I gather that Iran would be the one in charge of smuggling the cars and the missile launchers into the Hezbollah farm.”
“Let me point out that our intelligence and surveillance services have collected a significant amount of information that might be of use to you. We have well-equipped CIA and NSA bureaus in São Paulo and Buenos Aires, and they can take part in the activity if necessary,” Deutsch said.
The room grew silent as everyone waited for Nahari’s verdict. He furrowed his brow, surveying the attendees one by one.
“Are you certain that this smart cyber-system to take over control of the terrorist missiles will work properly?” Nahari was not hiding his concern. “Have you thought of backup consisting of localized protection for the embassies and the big synagogue, using a powerful laser? There’s already a system based on solid-state laser, and the model is currently in advanced stages of testing.”
“That system is still in the developmental stage, Nahari, and I’d hesitate to integrate it into our operation. In any case, it would require bringing in technical crews from Rafael17, which developed the system—an unnecessary complication, in my humble opinion.”
“I accept your recommendation, Gideon. After I receive confirmation from the political echelon, we’ll determine the scope of the commando force that will join you and your team of young people, headed by Dan. We’ll also bring in a missile technology expe
rt who will help Dan and his team neutralize the missiles. Our bureau heads in the São Paulo consulate and the Buenos Aires embassy will receive immediate orders to take care of the logistics. I want to see you take off this week. You’ll need to round up the required information and make specific preparations for all components of the operation over there.”
“There’s one more important point, Nahari, that should also be passed on to your people at the embassies…”
“What is that?”
“There cannot be any discernible connection between our group and official Israeli representatives. The places where we set up base need to be close to the city center, but protected from exposure. It would be best if we could all stay under one roof.”
“You’re right, Gideon. We will pass on those instructions to our attachés in Argentina and Brazil. You can count on our representatives there.”
* * *
16 Following an initiative by President Eisenhower, the United States launched the Atoms for Peace program, which supplied equipment and information to schools, hospitals, and research institutions within the U.S. and throughout the world, including building nuclear reactors in Iran, Israel and Pakistan.
17Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, usually referred to as Rafael, is an Israeli defense technology company. It was founded as Israel’s National R&D Defense Laboratory for the development of weapons and military technology within the Ministry of Defense. In 2002 it was privatized as a limited company
Chapter 21
When Nimer was woken by a ray of sunlight, he did not, for a moment, remember where he was and how he had arrived at Hezbollah’s farm outside the city. This changed rapidly when Yassin knocked on the door and wished him a good morning. Nimer once again recalled the latest events and the main features of the plan about to be carried out.