Why Did Israel Secretly Attack Syria?

Back in 2007, after the Israeli Mossad discovered that Syria had developed a nuclear reactor, then Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert knew he had only one option: to destroy it quickly and quietly. The only questions that remained were who would do it, how they would do it, and what Syria’s response would be.

Big Ideas

1. Jewish history has taught the Jewish people to believe their enemies when they say they want to destroy them.
2. “Never again” is not just a Jewish slogan but an Israeli promise to protect the Jewish people.
3. Foreign policy involves a combination of clever diplomacy and military might. 

Essential Questions

1. What external factors should be taken into consideration when making decisions to protect one’s country?
2. What are the most important responsibilities of a country’s leader?
3. In what circumstances should military action be prioritized over diplomatic negotiations?