by Uzi Eilam
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Bernard announced. “The interior minister will be joining us for our final meeting. Let us show our respect by standing.” Everyone stood up when the minister entered, accompanied by his political advisor, the director-general of the Interior Ministry, and the commander of the gendarmerie.
“Monsieur le Ministre,” Bernard said, “ladies and gentlemen, with your permission I’ll begin by presenting a brief summation of the progression of events since the task force began its work. We’ll then hear from task force members, who will share key details regarding the events themselves.” Bernard paused and looked at the minister, who nodded for him to continue. “Over the past few months, we noticed that the center of gravity in the three major realms of activity of the Iranian Guardians of the Revolution in Europe had shifted from Germany to France. We observed new Iranian efforts to illegally procure supervised technologies, as well as an effort to recruit agents from the country’s Iranian minority and other minorities within the Muslim community.”
Gideon looked around the table and noticed that everyone in the room was sitting silently, focused on the words of the professor. Even the minister appeared to be riveted.
“We viewed the terrorism and assassination infrastructure which the Iranians were starting to build here in France as an even more concerning development. Specifically, we learned that Ali Reza Sulat, a former senior commander within the Guardians and a former trainer of Quds Force fighters, had been appointed to serve as the cultural attaché at their embassy in Paris. I don’t believe I need to explain to you all the types of culture the Iranians were trying to disseminate in this instance,” Bernard said with stinging sarcasm.
“At that point, the need for a coordinated international effort was clear, and we naturally approached the United States and Israel to establish an operational task force to deal with the gamut of threats the situation presented.” Bernard paused a moment, took a sip of water, and continued. “Dr. Deutsch, as the senior American member of the task force, is there anything you would you like to add?”
“Thank you, Professor Bernard. There is,” said Deutsch. “First, I’d like to say that the US government agreed to take part in this project without hesitation and that we were all pleased to have the opportunity to contribute to the work and the success of the task force. But before I continue, I’d like to recognize Mr. Dan Avni of Israel, our master of real-time audio surveillance. Without him, there’s no telling what direction our work might have taken.” Deutsch smiled and looked reassuringly at Dan, who looked down in embarrassment.
“We, of course, also contributed to the failures of the task force,” Deutsch acknowledged. “Our effort to prevent a large shipment from being smuggled to Iran via the Pyrenees Mountains and Spain ended up being unnecessary because it was based on misleading Iranian information. The mission was assigned to an integrated force, consisting of contingents from the special unit of the gendarmerie and the US Navy SEALs, which came back empty handed. At that point, we already had suspicions regarding leaks from within the task force. The operation to intercept the large shipment of parts and materials at Lisbon’s Portela Airport was also born out of Dan Avni’s effective audio surveillance and the wise analysis of Gideon Ben-Ari. The successful operation of our commando forces, combined with the focused diplomatic effort vis-à-vis the Portuguese government, enabled us to seize the entire shipment, which would have otherwise made it to Tehran on a direct flight from Portugal.”
“We are in debt to the US government, and to you personally, Dr. Deutsch, for assembling all the diplomatic and foreign political elements necessary to ensure the operation’s success,” Bernard said graciously. Deutsch smiled and nodded in acknowledgement and gratitude.
“Dr. Ben-Ari,” Bernard continued, looking at Gideon. “Would you be willing to say a few words about the work of the task force from the Israeli perspective?”
“Certainly, Professor Bernard. Dr. Deutsch emphasized the United States’ immediate willingness to lend a hand to the work of the task force, and I am happy to say that the ‘Little Satan,’ as Israel is affectionately known by the Iranians, also joined the project without hesitation.” Feeling incapable of broaching the issue of Haim Bar-Oz in such a public forum, Gideon decided to leave it for Professor Bernard to address in his report. “One particularly surprising and disconcerting development was the discovery of the tunnel the Iranians had dug for hundreds of meters, beneath the streets of Paris, from the Iranian embassy to a previously unknown safe house. This enabled a team led by Dan Avni to install an audio and video surveillance system that became an indispensable source of information regarding Iranian moves. We also made effective use of the knowledge we had accumulated in Israel regarding the tunnels in Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, as well as American knowledge based on the US’s experience during the Vietnam War.”
“Thank you both, Gerald and Gideon,” Bernard continued. “We were all truly in agreement regarding the importance—or, to be more precise, the urgency—of dealing with the issues in question, each of which presents a significant challenge in its own right.” He paused as everyone in the room nodded in agreement.
“At the very outset of the project, we recognized that the most pressing component on the Iranian procurement list was switches for the piloting system of the new Shahab missiles. These switches are classified as dual purpose and are also used by the automotive industry. The Iranians targeted Renault and Peugeot by making effective use of straw buyers.”
Bernard stopped and studied the thick file on the table before him then continued. “In coordination with parties within the Swiss government, we managed to block an important channel of funds for Iranian procurement and, in doing so, we impeded their ability to engage in procurement activity. We stopped most of their efforts to procure parts and materials from French companies, and we also helped the German government thwart procurement efforts within its borders. Again, all of this was made possible by Dan Avni’s remarkable ability to monitor the Iranians’ classified operational conversations, and for this we are all grateful.” A murmuring emerged around the table, and the task force members nodded and whispered to one another, agreeing with this assessment.
“I also promised to recognize our failures,” Bernard continued. “They pertain primarily to people with weaknesses and reprehensible inclinations. Unfortunately, we bore witness to a number of acts of treason, and two members of the task force, who worked closely with us for quite some time, lost their way in the process and began collaborating with the enemy.” The room went silent. Those who knew what Bernard was referring to dared not say a word, and those who had not yet learned of the treachery of their two colleagues listened intently as Bernard recounted these events in a restrained, businesslike tone.
“Madame Dominique de Saint-Germaine of the General Secretariat of Defense and National Security, who was a senior member of this task force, was found to be collaborating with the Iranians. She was taken into custody and is currently undergoing intensive interrogation. I am not at liberty to go into detail about her actions and her motivations. What I can tell you is that she was collaborating with Dr. Behrooz Kayghobadi, a man of Iranian descent who has been living in our country for years and was working as a professor of business administration at the University of Paris. I can also tell you that the information she was passing on focused on the work of our task force. After an extensive and challenging period of monitoring, Dr. Kayghobadi was discovered to be a double agent harboring loyalties to Iran. Through sophisticated channels, Kayghobadi passed on extremely sensitive information discussed at task force meetings that he received from Madame de Saint-Germaine. The General Secretariat,” Professor Bernard continued, looking directly at General de Villiers, “will need to carefully consider Madame de Saint-Germaine’s conduct and take measures to ensure that nothing similar happens in the future.”
“Her conduct is currently under thorough review,” replied
General de Villiers, annoyed. “It’s still too early to reach any definitive conclusions.”
“You are right, General de Villiers. A great deal of work, investigation, and analysis still needs to be done, even after we have established the primary guilt of Madame de Saint-Germaine,” agreed Professor Bernard. “I’ve already mentioned the establishment of terrorist and assassination teams by the Guardians’ Quds Force in Iran. We knew about the preparations they were making to carry out assassinations here in Paris, and we knew that the primary target was Gideon. We failed to prevent Dan Avni’s abduction, which could have been the most serious blow sustained during the project. In the end, however, we were extremely lucky. Dan himself, with his magical hands and code-breaking mind, played an important role in ensuring the success of the rescue operation at the safe house where the Iranians were holding him.
“The rescue operation was spearheaded by Gideon Ben-Ari, whose untiring work transformed the apparent failure into a major success. As a result of Dan’s rescue, and based on information provided by Farid Madani, the highest-ranking representative of the Guardians taken into custody, we were able to identify the Quds Force operatives who were present in Paris. With the exception of its commander, all members of their team are currently being dealt with by our professionals in the gendarmerie. I too take my hat off to Dan, echoing the praise voiced earlier by General de Villiers. And Gideon, my friend, I am grateful for the role you played in the rescue effort.”
Loud whispers pervaded the conference room as attention once again focused on the two Israelis, who smiled in embarrassment.
“And finally, ladies and gentlemen,” Bernard continued, “I’d like to say a few words about the second act of betrayal, that of General Bar-Oz.” He looked over at Gideon and at Dan, who was sitting beside him, and hesitated as he considered how to continue in a manner that would be sensitive to the remainder of the Israeli contingent.
“Please. Bernard, go on,” Gideon requested, almost in a whisper. “Brigadier General Haim Bar-Oz did what he did. He’s already back in Israel undergoing interrogation to clarify exactly what happened and what he managed to pass on to the Iranians. After he is interrogated, Bar-Oz will be tried and punished for his actions.” Gideon looked down again, and Dan said nothing, but placed a supportive hand on Gideon’s shoulder.
“General Bar-Oz was a highly praised combat soldier and commander in the Israeli army. He was with us from the beginning of the project and was greatly valued for his combat experience and his intimate knowledge of the war on terrorism. Bar-Oz was party to all of our secret plans and played an active role in implementing them.”
Bernard sounded hesitant for the first time since the beginning of his report. “For a number of weeks, we suspected that someone with inside information was passing on precise information to the Iranians regarding our plans, and we refused to believe that Brigadier General Bar-Oz was the source of the leak.” Professor Bernard paused for a moment and turned to Gideon. “I would like to thank Dr. Ben-Ari and Mr. Avni, who courageously and uncompromisingly persisted in monitoring and analyzing Bar-Oz’s actions and the relationship he established with the Iranians, with the assistance of Madame de Saint-Germaine.”
A wave of whispers pulsed through the room, as attention again focused on the senior Israeli task force member. “And as Dr. Ben-Ari has already told us, after undergoing a preliminary interrogation here in Paris, General Bar-Oz is back in Israel, which will undoubtedly prosecute him to the full extent of the law.”
“With your permission,” Dr. Deutsch said to Professor Bernard, “I believe we all need to acknowledge the work of Dr. Gideon Ben-Ari and to thank him for his wisdom, his focused perseverance, and his courage.” He smiled affectionately at his old friend. “These qualities helped ensure the successful resolution of the leaks and the overall success of the project.”
***
A soft knock sounded on the door of the conference room, and Professor Bernard’s secretary entered and whispered something in his ear. “Ladies and gentlemen, the prime minister is here. He’s joined us this morning to award the French Legion of Honor Medal to four exceptional members of the task force, and we thank him for his recognition.” Everyone in the room stood up as the prime minister entered the conference room.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Please, sit down,” said the prime minister as Professor Bernard led him to the seat at the head of the table, beside the interior minister. “It’s my pleasure to see you all here and to mark the successful conclusion of this complex and important project.”
“Mister Prime Minister, Mister Interior Minister,” said Professor Bernard, “with your permission, we will now commence the Legion of Honor decoration ceremony.”
“Certainly, Professor. Please continue,” the interior minister said.
“Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to announce that the Legion of Honor decoration committee, convened under the chairmanship of the interior minister, has decided to award honors to four members of our task force for their exceptional service and their major contribution to the security of France.” The conference room was silent. “To Dan Avni, it awards the rank of officer for his contribution to the project. To Dr. Gerald Deutsch, it awards the rank of commander for his accomplishments. And to Dr. Gideon Ben-Ari, it awards the rank of commander, for his exceptional contribution to the security of France and the world as a whole.”
The room was filled with applause, which continued until the interior minister got to his feet, raised both his hands in a request for quiet, and declared, “Last but not least, to Professor Eugene Bernard, for his courageous, sensitive, and skilled leadership of this complex and important project, it awards the rank of commander. I would like to call upon those being honored today to stand as they are decorated by the prime minister. I would also like to say something to the entire task force and to all those who took part in the project. You’ve traveled a long and difficult road, and I am aware that your success required wisdom and creativity, dogged perseverance, courage, and sensitivity. We are forever in your debt for your service.”
The prime minister stood up and pinned medals on the four recipients. “France salutes you, Dr. Ben-Ari, Dr. Deutsch, Mr. Avni, and Professor Bernard. We salute you for your service.”
Chapter 47
The media in Iran and abroad waited in anticipation. It had been announced that the Supreme Leader would be delivering an address to the nation, which was highly irregular. The reclusive leader did not appear frequently in public, and when he did, it was typically at events related to religious holidays and the annual holiday marking the overthrow of the Shah and Ayatollah Khomeini’s rise to power. The wave of rumors that swept through Tehran only confused the public more. No one knew the subject of his address, and public curiosity was immense.
At eight pm, which was prime time for Iranian state television, the Supreme Leader appeared on the screen. He was seated in his office, in his familiar armchair, and looked directly into the eyes of his viewers. “My brothers and friends,” he began in a soft voice. “I am sorry to inform you of a terrible tragedy that has befallen us all: our devoted and much-loved president is no longer with us.” He stopped for a moment, looked down, and then continued. “The president was injured in a serious accident, and our excellent physicians were unable to save him. General Muhammad Ali Jamshidi was also injured in the accident and has also died. We mourn the loss of these two leaders, who were also long-time friends and who traveled a long road together, beginning when they were both commanders of the youth battalions, the martyrs, during our cursed war with Iraq. Their paths never parted, neither in life nor in death. Our heartfelt condolences go out to their families. The president skillfully and courageously led the struggle to safeguard Iran’s economy and international standing, despite the hostile sanctions imposed on us by our enemies. General Jamshidi directed the Guardians’ Division for the Development of Advanced Technolo
gies. The Iranian Republic’s long-distance missiles, advanced intelligence systems, and magnificent accomplishments in the realm of nuclear energy are all to his credit,” proclaimed the Supreme Leader.
“General Jamshidi raised an entire generation of scientists, which will continue to serve as Iran’s technological spearhead.” He paused again and looked directly into the eyes of his viewers. “Fellow members of the holy Iranian Republic, I am pleased to inform you of the appointment of a new commander of the Guardians of the Revolution. General Ali Mustafa Ja’afari has requested to stop serving in this capacity after many years of service. The new commander will be General Qasem Soleimani, to whom we offer our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes. General Ali Mustafa Ja’afari, whom we also thank for his devoted service to the country, will continue to serve the Republic as its ambassador to Malaysia.” The Supreme Leader stopped and continued to gaze out at the viewers from the screen until the transmission ended.
Tehran buzzed with rumors and conjectures, but no one knew the real reason for the unanticipated resignation of General Ja’afari, who had been so widely feared and obeyed.
Chapter 48
General Ali Mustafa Ja’afari sat alone in the elegant house he had been given in the suburb that had been designated for senior officials of the Guardians of the Revolution. He began packing his personal belongings and making preparations for his flight to Kuala Lumpur, where he would serve as the new Iranian ambassador. He collected the many medals he had been awarded over the years and nostalgically examined this testimony of the long road he had traveled from Khomeini’s return to Iran to the Guardians’ elite.
Ja’afari had never stopped wondering why he had been so soundly dismissed by the Supreme Leader. In the course of his life, he had taken part in countless acts of subversion and intrigue, to which the Supreme Leader had consistently turned a blind eye. Was it the combination of the simultaneous deaths of both leaders, the president and General Jamshidi, and the Supreme Leader feeling threatened?