Tel Aviv, Oct 25: Major General Yair Ravid (retd) is a cult figure in intelligence circles and security establishments of Israel. Under pseudonym ‘Abu Daud’, he had commanded several missions deep in several countries for spy agency Mossad.
Ravid spoke to IANS at his residence on the ongoing war with Hamas, Israel’s operations and whether there was a failure.
Ravid said it a major national calamity. “We have lost 1,400 of our citizens, more than 200 are in the custody of terrorists and we are indeed facing a major issue. However, as you know, we are a community of resilient and tough people and we will over come this and bring peace and normalcy in our country and around it.”
He said Mossad is in no way involved in the intelligence of the neighbouring areas. It is done totally by Shin Bet and Military Intelligence.
“It was not really a failure but sort of complacency and we trusted too much on our confidence. Whatever be this should not have happened. Right now this is not the time to speak on this as we are at war and a war which will have its logical conclusions.”
“Hamas will pay a heavy price for this. I am not just saying for the sake of saying. Anyone who knows Israel and our machinery understands it well. We will go behind each and every top Hamas leader who participated in the conspiracy and will wipe them out. We are getting proper information on all this and will execute the plan systematically. No one will go scot free from our hands.”
Asked if Iran is behind these attacks on Israel, Ravid said, “Israel doesn’t care whether Iran is behind this or any other country for that matter. Iran has always been supporting Hamas and Hezbollah and several other fringe elements also.
“We have got proper information on all these and will act accordingly. We, as a country, had taken a pledge that we will not allow another holocaust and hence, we cannot rest until we wipe them out of this universe. There is no rest for Israel and its forces until the Hamas is totally eradicated and take it from me, it is going to happen,” Ravid added. (IANS)
