Nomi Bar-Yakov, an expert on international conflict mediation, joins Aviva Guttman, a lecturer on Israeli security policies, Ronen Bergman, an investigative journalist focused on targeted assassinations, and Jeremy Bowen, BBC's international editor, to explore the 1972 Munich Massacre. They discuss its lasting consequences on Israeli counterterrorism strategies and the ongoing violence in the region. The conversation highlights how past events continue to shape modern military tactics and political dialogue, revealing complexities in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The 1972 Munich Massacre marked a turning point for Israel's counterterrorism strategy, leading to a two-decade-long policy of targeted assassinations.
The contrasting perceptions of Yahya Sinwar's assassination illustrate how leadership can shape national narratives and impact public sentiment on both sides.
Deep dives
Historical Context of the Conflict
The discussion highlights the significance of the 1972 Munich Olympics as a pivotal moment in Israel's counterterrorism strategy. Following the tragic events, where Palestinian terrorists killed Israeli athletes, Israel shifted its approach toward international terrorism, adopting a policy of targeted assassinations. This change aimed to not only seek vengeance for the Munich massacre but also to deter future attacks on its citizens. The Munich incident underscored the deep-seated fears of terrorism within Israel and established the precedent for aggressive actions outside its borders, defining its subsequent engagements with Palestinian groups.
Impact of Yahya Sinwar's Death
The recent killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is perceived differently in Israel and Gaza, showcasing the complex emotions surrounding leadership and resistance. In Israel, Sinwar's death is celebrated as a critical victory in the ongoing conflict, especially since he was seen as the architect of the October 7th attacks. Conversely, many Palestinians view his death with a sense of defiance, recalling his resilience until the very end, which has galvanized support for future resistance. This dichotomy illustrates how leaders can become symbols of national narratives, impacting public sentiment and strategies on both sides.
The Legacy of Targeted Assassinations
Israel's policy of targeted assassinations emerged as a controversial yet central aspect of its counterterrorism strategy, particularly following the Munich events. Although these operations have been described as tactical successes in undermining Palestinian leadership, they have not achieved lasting geopolitical peace or resolved the underlying conflicts. Critics argue that focusing on assassinations distracts from addressing the fundamental political challenges and negotiations necessary for lasting resolution. As exemplified in past operations, while immediate threats may be neutralized, the broader implications often leave the cycle of violence unbroken, highlighting a profound strategic dilemma.
What can history teach us about the conflict in the Middle East?
Jonny Dymond brings together a carefully assembled panel of experts, academics and journalists to talk about the conflict in the region.
This week, Jonny's joined by Nomi Bar Yaacov, Associate Fellow at Chatham House and Dr Aviva Guttman, a lecturer in Strategy and Intelligence. Plus, Ronen Bergman, an Israeli investigative journalist with the New York Times.
They revisit the 1972 Munich Olympics when 11 Israeli athletes were kidnapped and killed. Israel’s covert programme of targeted assassinations would last 20 years in response. Now, 52 years later, as Israel continues to attack Hamas, we look at the echoes and reflections of five decades ago.
Please get in touch with Jonny and the team: theconflict@bbc.co.uk.
The Conflict: Middle East was made by Keiligh Baker and Ivana Davidovic. The technical producers were Jonny Hall and Rod Farquhar. The assistant editor is Ben Mundy. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.
This episode is part of a BBC Sounds series. It was recorded at 14:00 on Tuesday 22 October 2024.
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