By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Forgotten History.

Imagine a country so desperate to maintain a strategic advantage that it orchestrates a series of bombings against its own allies. This is the astonishing true story of Israel’s Operation Susanna, a covert military intelligence operation that targeted American and British cultural centers in Egypt in 1954. The goal was to create the illusion of instability in Egypt, thereby convincing Britain to maintain its military presence in the Suez Canal zone. However, the operation ultimately backfired, exposing Israel’s involvement and leading to a severe diplomatic crisis.

Background and Motivations

Colin D. Heaton and Michael Droberg, hosts of the Forgotten History series, shed light on the historical context surrounding Operation Susanna. In the early 1950s, Israel was still in its formative stages, having declared independence in 1948. The country was surrounded by hostile Arab states, and its leaders were determined to maintain a strategic buffer against potential threats. Egypt, under the leadership of Gamal Abdel Nasser, was seen as a particular menace, with its growing ties to the Soviet Union and its support for Palestinian militant groups.

As Colin D. Heaton and Michael Droberg explain, Israel’s military intelligence responded to this perceived threat by launching Operation Susanna. The operation involved recruiting a network of Egyptian Jews to carry out bombings against Western targets in Egypt, with the aim of blaming the attacks on Egyptian extremists or communists. The plan was to create fear and uncertainty, thereby deterring Britain from withdrawing its troops from the Suez Canal zone.

The Operation and Its Aftermath

The operation was marked by a series of mishaps and missteps. One of the bombs exploded prematurely, leading to the arrest of several members of the network. As the Egyptian authorities closed in on the operatives, Israel’s military intelligence faced a desperate race against time to prevent the exposure of their involvement. Despite their efforts, the operation ultimately collapsed, with several operatives being captured, tortured, and executed.

According to Colin D. Heaton and Michael Droberg, the fallout from Operation Susanna was severe. The incident led to a major diplomatic crisis, with Israel’s reputation suffering significant damage. The affair became known as the ‘Lavon Affair’, named after Israeli Defense Minister Pinhas Lavon, who was accused of authorizing the operation. The scandal led to Lavon’s resignation and a prolonged period of political instability in Israel.

Conclusion and Broader Significance

The story of Operation Susanna serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of covert operations and the importance of transparency in international relations. As Colin D. Heaton and Michael Droberg note, the operation’s collapse highlights the risks of relying on deception and subterfuge to achieve strategic objectives. The incident also underscores the need for accountability and oversight in the conduct of military intelligence operations.

The full episode of Forgotten History is available on OBBM Network TV.