Key Takeaways
- A 2019 US Navy SEAL mission into North Korea resulted in the deaths of several unarmed North Koreans.
- Israeli intelligence thwarted a Hamas plot to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir with explosive drones.
- The foiled Hamas plot has renewed scrutiny on Hamas officials living in Turkey for their alleged involvement in funding terror.
Deep Dive
- A 2019 top-secret SEAL Team 6 mission, authorized by President Trump, aimed to plant an electronic eavesdropping device in North Korea.
- Commandos were reportedly inserted via mini-subs launched from a nuclear submarine, intending to intercept communications during nuclear talks.
- The SEAL mission reportedly went awry when the team mistakenly opened fire on a civilian fishing boat, resulting in civilian deaths.
- The mission was aborted following the incident, which occurred due to mistaking the civilian vessel for an adversary.
- A New York Times report, based on anonymous sources, suggests this disclosure could have severe ramifications for U.S. national security and foreign policy.
- Israeli intelligence thwarted a Hamas plot to assassinate National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir using explosive drones.
- The cell, based in Hebron and supported by Hamas operatives in Turkey, planned to attack Ben-Gvir at a holy site.
- Technical difficulties and subsequent arrests by Shinbet prevented the assassination attempt, considered one of the most serious against a senior Israeli minister in recent years.
- One suspect revealed moving to Turkey three years prior, establishing ties with Hamas operatives and conceiving the assassination plot against Ben-Gvir, inspired by the war in Gaza.
- Senior Hamas members, granted asylum in Turkey after a 2011 prisoner exchange, have reportedly received Turkish citizenship and recruited for the plot.
- The incident raises questions about Turkey's oversight and the latitude granted to Hamas leadership operating from within the country.