Al-Mayadeen: Trusted European Security Source Confirmed Outcomes of Hezbollah’s strike on Unit 8200: / 22 dead and 74 injured…Speculation Surrounds the Timing of Unit Commander’s Resignation.

September 13, 2024

Albinaa’ Newspaper Headlines

The political editor wrote

Yesterday, Arab and international media were divided in their coverage. Some focused on Al-Mayadeen’s revelation, based on credible European security sources, about the results of Hezbollah’s ‘Operation 40th Day’ on August 25th. The operation targeted the headquarters of Israel’s Unit 8200, the intelligence brain of the occupying entity, as well as the Ein Shemer Air Defense Base. Others, however, latched onto the sensationalised Israeli narrative, which was amplified by American media and endorsed by the Pentagon’s Central Command, about the airstrikes on Masyaf. The story, pushed by Israeli and American outlets, described a commando raid that allegedly ended with the capture of Iranian officers – claims dismissed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as pure fabrications.

Al-Mayadeen’s report landed as a massive blow to Israel, following the already devastating impact of the operation itself, which Israel has remained tight-lipped about, denying that the strike hit its targets or caused significant losses. The catastrophic nature of the damage was underscored by Israel’s silence. Meanwhile, media sources noted that the timing of the “Hollywood-like” Masyaf airstrike story, along with its eager promotion by U.S.-aligned Arab media, is a clear indication of the confusion and desperation within Israel, attempting to obscure the revelations of “Operation 40th Day” with an alternative narrative.

The U.S.’s rapid endorsement of the Israeli version of events, and the New York Times’ spotlight on this so-called “exceptional commando operation”, raised questions about why such validation was necessary. If the Israeli narrative were genuine, it would be far easier to back it up with video footage of the commando raid or images of the captured officers. The fabricated nature of this focus became even more apparent in the context of the mounting confusion in Israel.

The confusion reached its peak with the sudden resignation of the commander of Unit 8200, the same unit targeted by Hezbollah. His resignation raises significant questions, particularly coming so soon after the attack, leading many to wonder whether the commander was among the dead. The story of his resignation may be a cover to replace him without admitting his death. If he is alive and no longer holds a security position, he would presumably be free to appear in the media. To dispel the growing speculation, he should publicly address what really happened on August 25th.