The two terrorist nuclear engineers watched the chaotic scenes of the exodus on television and mocked the government’s explanation of fallout and harm. They were thoroughly enjoying the televised scenes of Americans in panic and disarray. Initially they had seen the buildup of military personnel around the plants, but they were over a mile away to avoid the terrorist snipers. No one was going to rush the sites and risk destruction. They were in total control.
Jerusalem
10:00 A.M.: The Knesset assembly was taking the ninth vote of the session. Prime Minister Harkavy was counting on the fact that stock exchanges in the Far East would be opening soon. This will apply the pressure I need for the assembly to reach a repatriation decision.
In fifteen hours the Australian Securities Exchange in Sydney would begin trading. If there were a huge sell-off, the other major exchanges would follow suit.
The shouting and yelling that had broken out in the first hours toned down considerably with the fatigued Knesset members breaking into small groups to discuss the dilemma. Some members separated from their own parties and joined with other parties in an attempt to forge a coalition that could overcome the impasse. Slowly the reality of personal financial losses in addition to placing the country into a dubious economic future overcame political positions. Phone calls to their financial advisors and stockbrokers convinced the members of the assembly to finally vote for repatriation at a rate of fifty thousand Palestinians per year. When the final tally was taken, it won by an overwhelming margin of seventy-nine to forty-one. Money, especially personal finances, had once again transcended politics and Prime Minister Harkavy had played his trump card successfully. He picked up the phone to call the United States.
4:30 A.M.: The president’s aide awakened him. “Sir, we have the Israeli Prime Minister on the line and he claims a resolution to the crisis. We have a fax from his office.”
The president, still in his pajamas, said to his aide, “Get George Martens and Donald Kowal.” George and Donald had been residing at the White House ever since the crisis had begun.
“They’re already in the Situation Room, Sir.”
President Conklin had left the White House Situation Room only a couple of hours earlier. The trials and tribulations of the past two days reflected on his face. It would be necessary to have his key people in the room and on separate phones to monitor the conversation. There could be no misunderstandings or wrong interpretations of what was in the fax or being said.
After a cordial hello, the Israeli Prime Minister spoke. “We’ve an agreement for settling the hostage crisis and meeting the requirements set by the Muslims For Justice. You know how painful this is for the Israeli people and it is totally against our position of not negotiating with terrorists. We’re very concerned that this could set precedence and other terrorist groups could attempt the same. We’ll meet the demands, but only if we get full financial and military backing from the United States if a terrorist attack is committed against Israel. Please refer to the fax we sent outlining our requirements.”
As the prime minister spoke the president read the communiqué:
Number 1: We agree to repatriation as long as the government of the Palestine territory, including Hamas, renounces all forms of terrorism and recognizes that the sovereign state of Israel has the legitimate right to exist in its present territories. Under no circumstances will Israel relinquish the City of Jerusalem to Palestinian control.
Number 2: We agree to a political prisoner release of all who have not been charged with murder or homicide. This means the release of almost nine thousand prisoners, but they must return to their home countries. None of these prisoners will be allowed to immigrate under the repatriation agreement, nor will they be compensated for their losses. This will not affect other family members who have legitimate claims.
Number 3: We agree to a repatriation of four thousand Palestinians per month over a ten-year period for those Palestinians who can prove that they or their families had lost their homes or property in Israel. We will form a joint Israeli and Palestinian committee to review every applicant, along with a rotating member from the United Nations to also sit on the committee to ensure fairness.
Number 4: We must have complete assurances in writing that the United States will fund the entire operation of repatriation and that the funding will not come from the normal foreign or military aid that Israel receives.
The prime minister, after reviewing the communiqué with the president, continued, “This is our position and we’re prepared to negotiate the intricate details of the plan with representatives from the United States, United Nations and the Palestine territory. We give you our assurances that we’ll abide by the repatriation plan as we work out the details.”
The president voiced his concerns. “Hamas since 1987 has advocated the destruction of Israel. What makes you think they will change their position?”
“You’re correct,” the prime minister answered. “But since they have taken over the Gaza Strip and split the Palestinian Territory in two, they have lost much of their support, not only in many Arab countries, but within the Gaza Strip itself. Unemployment is twice as high then in the Fatah-controlled territory. The West has given aid and released funds for Fatah and isolated Hamas. The people under their control are clamoring for a change. Recognizing Israel would be one way to save face and avoid political defeat in the next elections. We believe they are ready to change their official position.”
“I sincerely hope so, for the sake of the Palestinians, the Israelis and the world. We need to have this dilemma in Florida end peacefully and averted a global disaster of epic proportions. The people of the United States and I personally thank Israel for their cooperation in resolving this crisis.” The president then hung up.
President Conklin turned to George Martens, “Call this man Nasih Mahmoud Rahman, who appears to be in charge, and tell him we have an agreement and we’ll televise it to the world. I want the hostages released and the terrorists to relinquish control of the two sites. We’ll replace unarmed American soldiers in place of the hostages and guarantee these so-called Allāh’s soldiers, passage out of the country.”
Secretary of State George Martens retorted, “We can’t just let these thugs go; we’ll be looked upon by any terrorist in the world as being weak and helpless. We need to be decisive and bring the leaders to trial.”
“George, we’ll go after the terrorists as soon as we secure the people and facilities. I’ll not allow the situation to get out of hand, giving them cause to destroy the nuclear reactors in revenge. I’m pretty sure they hold all the cards. Contact this man and see if he accepts the agreement.”
The Majestic
On the bridge of the Majestic, the satellite phone rang. The officer on duty called down to the cabin where the three cell members had been sleeping. It was Nasih who picked up the cabin phone.
“Sir, we have a call coming in on the satellite phone. It has the area code of 202 showing on the caller ID.”
Nasih rushed to get dressed shouting to the others, “The bridge said we have phone contact.”
Arriving on the bridge, Nasih noted it was the same phone number he had been previously been in contact with. Picking up the phone, he dialed a series of numbers. It took a few minutes to connect, as the number was routed through several call-forwarding numbers before reaching its final destination. The call would be untraceable.
Ahman picked up the phone saying, “I suspect you bring me good news.”
Nasih enthusiastically answered, “Uncle, Washington, D.C. is calling; it’s the same number the United States Secretary of State called from last night. I’m turning the mission over to you. Allāh be with you.”
After hanging up the telephone, Ahman Imad Rahman walked over to the balcony of his penthouse apartment in Latakia, Syria. As he viewed the expanse of the Mediterranean Sea he contemplated his next move. He had bought the apartment in ‘91 and it was his favorite place to frequent. The climat
e was ideal, with sixty degrees average in the winter and only the low eighties in the summer. It was a modern city but had roots dating back to 2nd century B.C. and had none of the turmoil that was prevalent in other Syrian citied. He loved the vibrancy of living in a city of a half million people and the ability to escape quickly to the surrounding hills covered with vineyards. He would spend many a quiet day sampling wines and his favorite cheeses, Ackawi, Naboulsi and a local Jibneh Arabieh made from sheep’s milk. Fifteen minutes later he broke from his thoughts, returned to his living room and picked up the phone.
Ahman, knowing the transmission would be recorded, had closed all the apartment windows and turned on the central air conditioning fan and CD player. He purposely stood near the A/C unit as he made the call, assured that the fan noise and music would cancel out any surrounding noises from the environment.
Washington D.C.
5:25 A.M.: In the Situation Room and other areas of the White House, several people were milling about from the Joint Chiefs, CIA, NSA, FBI and the president’s staff, along with key members of Congress.
The telephone rang and the aide called out, “Sir, we’ve a call coming in on the hot line, but there’s no identification showing up. We’re attempting a trace.”
The aide picked up the telephone questioning the caller. “Please identify yourself.”
“I am the Amir.”
“Excuse me?”
“The Amir, the supreme leader of the Muslims For Justice. I’m in charge of all negotiations.”
The people in the Situation Room listening to the conversation on the speakerphone became silent. There was a scurry of activity by the CIA to project a picture of Ahman Imad Rahman identified by the Mossad as the Amir.
The Amir spoke, “I understand you’ve tried to contact us.”
The aide replied, “We were attempting to contact Nasih Mahmoud Rahman, who has identified himself as the leader of the Muslims For Justice.”
The Amir exerted his command. “He’s the leader in the United States, but I’m the one who is in total control. He’s no longer to negotiate this standoff. Do you have any news for me or should I just hang up?”
The aide handed the phone to Secretary of State George Martens.
“This is George Martens, United States Secretary of State. I’ve a proposal for you.”
George read the Israeli position and what they had agreed to. He was slow and deliberate in his speech to make sure there would be no misinterpretations by the Amir. He then spelled out how the United States would provide foreign aid to the Palestine territory and how this aid package would go before the United Nations to be signed in one week, as was demanded in the note.
Upon finishing George declared, “You should be satisfied that we’ve met all conditions put forth in the Muslims For Justice demand note. We’re expecting the release of all the hostages immediately and the nuclear reactor sites returned to our authority. We’ll have the president make an announcement on television that an agreement has been reached and it will have worldwide coverage.”
Ahman laughed, “If I do as you want, you can capture my people and send them to prison for the rest of their lives, or worse execute them. I’ll never allow this to happen. I am not impressed by this proposal. Here’s what the United States must do,” retorted Ahman. “First, a B747-400 fueled to capacity with two separate flight crews must be standing by at the airport in Fort Lauderdale to fly my soldiers to a country that we’ll announce once airborne. You’ll verify the jet is on the runway by televising its arrival. We’ll bring two hostages on the flight for every one of my soldiers. We’ll transport them in our own buses. Upon arrival at our final destination, Allāh’s soldiers that are holding the nuclear reactor sites will leave and they too will be taken to the airport in Fort Lauderdale and given a similar plane with two flight crews. Only when this aircraft is at our final destination will we release the last of the hostages.”
George Martens looked around the room. Some were nodding in agreement, but most of the military were not convinced. He returned to the phone. “Give us time to discuss the demands. We’ll call you in an hour.”
“Am I a fool? I’ll call you back. If you want to play a cat-and-mouse game with me to reveal where I’m calling from, this conversation will end permanently.”
“Ahman, please wait. We’ll discuss your demands immediately just give us time to secure the airplanes and flight crews.”
“You know my name, but I’m not surprised. The Mossad has tried tracking me for years, but I was always one step ahead of them. My major adversary Benjamin Werner always knew I was the Amir; that’s why I had to eliminate him. Even in retirement, he was a thorn in my side. When I call back, be prepared to meet my demands!” Ahman was satisfied he had made his point and hung up the phone.
Tel-Aviv
At the Mossad headquarters, the agent who was taping the conversation between Ahman and George Martens was dismayed. Have I heard right that Benjamin Werner’s death was not an accident, but a planned killing? He handed a note to another agent to immediately get Mark Heckman.
Mark, upon hearing the statement made by Ahman, was amazed that the Muslims For Justice had put in place such an elaborate worldwide plan to eliminate Benjamin Werner. I dismissed Benjamin’s accusations when he implied that the MetroMax South guards at the Beekman Estates and with Florida Electric Utilities were somehow tied to the deaths of the three Arab teens in England. Benjamin was the greatest threat to uncover their plans and was the only person on the face of the earth who could have prevented this present dilemma, so they eliminated him.
Mark broke out of his thoughts. “Where are they transmitting from? I want a complete trace of the phone call.”
The agent who was monitoring the transmission shook his head. “It’s impossible to tell. It looks like they used a series of telephone exchanges in different countries. Our equipment doesn’t have the capability to tell where the call originated from. The final transmission appears to be from a satellite phone in Tajikistan but we can’t pinpoint the exact location. We’re already analyzing background noise to see if we can recognize any known characteristics of the area.”
Washington, D.C.
The personnel in the Situation Room erupted in a heated discussion on how to proceed. The military again wanted to make a preemptive attack on the nuclear reactor sites using a GBU-28 bunker-busting bomb. As before, it was ruled out as being too risky.
The NSA tracked the voice transmission, but was unable to identify the originating location of the phone call. They reached the same conclusions as the Mossad and it was not possible to make a counterterrorist strike. To further complicate matters, airline companies were balking at supplying a jet for the terrorist. They were worried about the negative publicity and, if something went wrong, the liability.
Jack Shelby the CIA representative was in the Situation Room during the phone conversation with the Amir. He had agents in Langley trying to locate the required jet. They contacted Jack with the news. He immediately went to see George Martens.
“George, we may have a break. There are two Air Israel B747-400s on their way to JFK and they will be landing in the next couple of hours. Let’s see if the Israeli government can convince them to provide the plane and crews.”
After ten frustrating minutes of trying to contact the Israeli Prime Minister, George finally got through. “Prime Minister Harkavy, we have a problem obtaining the plane and crews for the transportation of the terrorists and their hostages out of the country.” He then went on to explain about the two Air Israel flights.
The prime minister listened carefully to the request. “I’ll ask them if they’re willing to provide the equipment and crew.”
Almost an hour later, Prime Minister Harkavy called back. “Air Israel has agreed with some arm twisting. The flight crews will be exhausted but with two crews alternating they can manage. The plane will be in Fort Lauderdale by 9:30 A.M.”
The Secretary of State was grateful
for Israel’s actions. “Our hands were tied. We will track them to their final destination and hopefully they’ll be together long enough for us to take action against them.”
7:05 A.M.: The hotline phone rang in the Situation Room. The Secretary of State picked it up, “George Martens speaking.”
On the phone a smiling Ahman couldn’t help gloating over his impending triumph. “Mr. Secretary, are you ready to meet my demands?”
“Yes. We reluctantly will comply, if you’ll accept the 747 from Air Israel. They have graciously agreed to provide the plane and two flight crews. The ability for us to get two flight crews from United States carriers had proven to be impossible. We could only offer military pilots in place of civilians.”
Ahman thought about the offer. I’m not against using an Israeli airline. Less chance of being shot down by the Israeli Air Force. My soldiers would have to thoroughly check the plane for any agents aboard. I know that Air Israel planes are equipped with anti-missile countermeasures. This could be a benefit.
After weighing his options Ahman spoke, “I’ve no problem with an Air Israel aircraft. When the plane lands in Fort Lauderdale, make sure it’s televised. I’ll have no more communications with you after this phone call. Once the broadcast is made, my people will bring the hostages to the buses and will drive them to the airport. The buses are wired with explosives and must be escorted by police vehicles to prevent any gun-crazy American from shooting at them. Though from what I’ve seen on television, most people have left the area. At the airport the buses must be allowed to enter the tarmac and drive up to the waiting plane. We’ll thoroughly inspect the plane, including the cargo bays to be sure there are no Israeli agents aboard. The cargo area must be completely empty: no containers, no luggage. Only then will we board with our hostages, two at a time. If any of Allāh’s soldiers are assaulted, all the hostages will die. I await your broadcast.” Ahman hung up.
8:00 A.M.: The President of the United States went on television to tell an anxious world that a settlement had been brokered and that all parties were in agreement.
The Third Cell Page 43