Zvi Zamir Obituary – Cause of Death News : “Israeli Spy Chief in Critical Period Passes Away at 98”

Zvi Zamir, the former director of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, has passed away at the age of 98. His death was confirmed by the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although the location of his passing was not disclosed. Zamir was known for his role in leading the fight against Palestinian terrorism in Israel during a time when terrorism was becoming an increasing concern. One of the most notable incidents during his tenure was the attack on the Israeli delegation at the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics by the Palestinian terrorist group Black September. Zamir was sent to Munich by Prime Minister Golda Meir, but was unable to prevent the tragic loss of Israeli lives.

Zamir witnessed the devastating scene as the hostages were led past him with their hands and feet tied together. Despite his efforts, the rescue operation was delayed and ultimately failed, resulting in the deaths of all the hostages and five of the terrorists. The three surviving terrorists were later released in a hostage exchange. This event, known as the Munich Massacre, had a profound impact on Zamir and Meir. It led to a shift in their approach towards Palestinian terrorism in Europe, with Zamir being put in charge of Operation Wrath of God, a campaign aimed at dismantling the Palestinian terror network operating from Europe.

Under Zamir’s leadership, Israeli agents successfully targeted and eliminated a number of terrorists over the course of a decade. One of their most significant achievements was the killing of Ali Hassan Salameh, the mastermind behind the Munich attack. Zamir emphasized that their goal was not revenge, but rather to prevent future acts of terrorism. He believed that their actions were necessary to protect Israeli citizens and ensure their safety.

Zamir’s career in the military began at a young age, when he joined the Palmach, a Jewish underground defense force. He later rose through the ranks of the Israel Defense Forces and became the head of the southern command. In 1968, he was appointed as the director of the Mossad by Prime Minister Levi Eshkol. During his time in this position, Zamir played a crucial role in gathering intelligence and providing warnings about impending attacks. His informant, Ashraf Marwan, proved to be a valuable asset in this regard.

Marwan provided critical information about an impending attack in 1973 by Egypt and Syria. Zamir relayed this information to Israeli authorities, but unfortunately, his warnings were not fully heeded. The Yom Kippur War broke out, catching Israel off guard and resulting in heavy losses. Despite this early intelligence failure, Israel eventually turned the tide and emerged victorious with the help of military aid from the United States.

Zamir’s legacy is one of dedication and determination in the face of adversity. He played a pivotal role in the fight against Palestinian terrorism and the protection of Israeli citizens. His passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit and commitment to his mission will continue to inspire future generations. At his funeral, the current director of the Mossad, David Barnea, pledged to continue Zamir’s work in holding accountable those responsible for the recent invasion of the Gaza border area by Hamas and other militant groups.

Zvi Zamir’s contributions to Israel’s security will not be forgotten. His efforts to combat terrorism and protect his country serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by nations in the fight against extremism. His passing leaves a void in the intelligence community, but his legacy will endure..