Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, top U.S. security analyst Michael Rubin has urged New Delhi to adopt a long-term counterterrorism strategy modeled on Israel’s covert response to the 1972 Munich massacre. Rubin, in an interview with NDTV, endorsed India’s ongoing Operation Sindoor, but suggested that India should also consider a global manhunt approach, similar to Israel’s Operation Wrath of God, which targeted Palestinian terrorists responsible for the Munich Olympics attack.
What Was Operation Wrath of God?
- Launched by Israel in 1972, following the Munich Olympics massacre, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by the Palestinian terror group Black September.
- Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir authorized Mossad to track down and eliminate those responsible, leading to a seven-year global operation.
- Mossad operatives assassinated key figures linked to the attack, ensuring Israel’s long-term security.
Rubin’s Perspective on India’s Counterterrorism Strategy
Rubin emphasized that India must pursue terrorists beyond its borders, stating:
“Israel quietly, over subsequent years, went out anywhere in the world to eliminate the terrorists. I do think Prime Minister Modi needs to take a playbook out of the late Golda Meir’s hands.”
Following the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-linked terrorists, PM Narendra Modi vowed to hunt down terrorists “to the ends of the Earth.” Rubin warned that terror groups exploit diplomatic lulls, drawing parallels to Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
India’s Response & Global Reactions
While praising India’s restraint and precision, Rubin criticized delays in launching Operation Sindoor, stating that Pakistan’s denials of involvement are hollow. He urged Pakistan to shut down terror camps and extradite militants, reinforcing India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism.
With India’s military operations intensifying, Rubin’s remarks have sparked discussions on whether India should adopt a more aggressive global counterterrorism strategy.
