White Smoke Over the Vatican Read online

  Producer & International Distributor

  eBookPro Publishing

  www.ebook-pro.com

  White Smoke over the Vatican

  Uzi Eilam

  Copyright © 2022 Uzi Eilam

  All rights reserved; No parts of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping, or by any information retrieval system, without the permission, in writing, of the author.

  Translation: Grace Michaeli

  Contact: [email protected]

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Chapter 26

  Chapter 27

  Chapter 28

  Chapter 29

  Chapter 30

  Chapter 31

  Chapter 32

  Chapter 33

  Chapter 34

  Chapter 35

  Chapter 36

  Chapter 37

  Chapter 38

  Chapter 39

  Chapter 40

  Chapter 41

  Chapter 42

  Chapter 43

  Chapter 44

  Chapter 45

  Chapter 1

  The Mossad’s interrogation room was pragmatically and ascetically furnished. In the surveillance room behind the one-way mirror, Dr. Gideon Ben Ari met the three Mossad men, whispering and conferring with each other. Gideon, a former commander of the Paratroopers’ Commando Unit, a Technion graduate with a PhD in Engineering from Stanford University, hadn’t arrived for the interrogators, but for the interrogee. Palestinian master terrorist Nimer el-Haladi, a Hezbollah operative, had been Gideon’s childhood friend from the time before Nimer’s family moved to a refugee camp in Jenin. Nimer had been seized and taken to Israel along with his sister and son, in a glorious operation led by Gideon himself.

  “Thanks for coming, Gideon,” said the chief interrogator. “We can’t seem to proceed with the interrogation, maybe you can help…” Gideon gazed at Nimer, who had been left alone in the interrogation room. Nimer seemed glum and upset. Gideon turned to look at the three interrogators, his anger steadily growing.

  “Don’t you know who you’re interrogating?” Gideon raged. “Nimer came to us because we captured his sister Jamila and his son Hassan, he obliged our request to come to Israel in exchange for his relatives. The man indeed worked for the Iranians and Hezbollah, and was the technological leader in many respects,” Gideon clarified. “But we must comprehend his motives and how we should handle him.”

  “So… what do you suggest?”

  “At this point, we should cease all interrogations,” Gideon replied after calming down. “Let me talk to him in private.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing,” the chief interrogator agreed. “The stage is all yours.”

  “Good thing you’re finally here,” Nimer lashed out when Gideon stepped into the interrogation room. “Get those interrogators off my back. That’s not what we agreed to when we met in Cyprus…”

  “I understand,” Gideon tried to reassure him. “But let’s discuss this quietly. I asked them to let us talk alone.”

  “I’m disappointed in you,” Nimer said, looking right into Gideon’s eyes. “Not one of your promises in Cyprus was kept. Instead, my sister Jamila and my son Hassan are still under arrest in some prison. You keep interrogating me as if I’m Israel’s greatest enemy, and insist on extracting information from me about operations in Lebanon and Tehran. You led me on, and I trusted you to help me meet my family and ensure their release.”

  “Nimer, my friend,” Gideon replied, trying to stifle his embarrassment at Nimer’s accusations. He knew he had to reassure his childhood friend. “I’m sorry to hear that. It’s important you know I’m here to listen to you and see how I can help.”

  “I wasn’t born yesterday, as you well know,” Nimer retorted, invigorated. “And now, more than before, I understand how you managed to kidnap my sister Jamila and my only son Hassan right under the guards’ noses – the very same guards appointed by Hezbollah’s military force. When I found out about my relatives’ disappearance, they were already in captivity here, in Israel. The reason I agreed to meet you in Cyprus was only so I could set them free…”

  “I wouldn’t let anyone hurt your sister or son!” Gideon declared. But he knew he couldn’t make the same promise for Israel’s security forces.

  “I trusted you based on our friendship. That was why I came to Cyprus without receiving the approval of Hezbollah or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. But you know I only did it for the wellbeing of my dear sister and only son.”

  “Yes, I know, and I deeply appreciate it. You surely remember that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard knew of our meeting and tried to intercept you in Cyprus. We managed to thwart it by the skin of our teeth. I promise you, I will do anything to ensure their safety. What more can I do to make you feel better?”

  “Look,” Nimer sounded slightly calmer, “the most important thing for the three of us is to visit my father in Jenin. Although he’s lucid and aware, from what I’ve heard, he isn’t young or healthy anymore. Dad knows you’ve captured us, and it’s important that he sees we are well.”

  “I understand, Nimer. I promise to take care of that. What else?”

  “You must make sure Jamila and Hasan don’t feel they’re imprisoned. Damn it, what have they done wrong that they should be treated like dangerous terrorists?”

  “What do you think would help? Did they say anything specific when you met them?” Gideon tried to stay practical and calm.

  “First let’s see if you’re capable of coordinating the family visit to Jenin, then we’ll talk,” Nimer replied, and then added: “But get those interrogators off my back.”

  “I’ll see what I can do,” Gideon promised, contemplating the social duty of past relationships and the harsh stance of Israel’s security forces, which obligated him to gather intel about Iran and Hezbollah’s terror attack plans.

  “Please stop interrogating Nimer for the time being,” Gideon addressed the head investigator after he left the interrogation room. “I’ll meet Nahari and we’ll see how we can move forward.”

  ***

  Dr. Gideon Ben Ari sat in his office for the first time in a long while, surrounded by deafening silence. The pile of documents in his incoming mail tray that required his signature stayed untouched for now. Just yesterday, Gideon had parted from his son-in-law Dan Avni and his daughter Noam as they returned to California. Gideon had struggled to return to his position as an organizational strategic consultant, and then the government summoned him to partake in the challenging security operation that had just been concluded. Gideon wasn’t sure the affair that led to his renewed contact with Nimer had indeed concluded successfully. He was aware of the fact that the success of the current stage, handling the threats of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards, shoul
dn’t be taken for granted.

  Gideon was pleased he no longer had to lead Israel’s strategic fight against the IRGC and Hezbollah. After successfully bringing Nimer to Israel, he found himself without any operational challenges, where he’d been comfortable like a fish in water ever since he commanded the commando unit of the Paratroopers’ division. Gideon looked at the pile of documents and knew he had to start addressing it, but sensed he was still unprepared to put the matter behind him and forget it had ever happened. “I don’t know what to recommend to the director of the Mossad, regarding Nimer’s interrogation…” he mused.

  An internal phone line ringing for him pulled Gideon back to reality. Noga the secretary apologized and said that someone had called from the office of Nahari, the director of the Mossad, to confirm he had approved Gideon’s request, and that he had to come in for a meeting as soon as possible.

  “Good morning, Gideon,” Nahari greeted him with uncharacteristic friendliness. “I hope you found your ‘kingdom’, your organizational strategy company, in good condition. I can tell you that you have a couple of work orders regarding strategic matters. Binyamin, my assistant, will give you the details later.”

  Gideon made a mental note to contact Binyamin and ask about the work orders he’d received. He had already estimated the consulting company’s urgent need to expand its pool of orders after his prolonged absence. He presented the situation to Nahari and Binyamin, Nimer’s requests and the complexity of the interrogation.

  “Gideon, we’re still impressed by the way you managed to bring Dr. Nimer el-Haladi to Israel – that technological star who worked for Quds Force, IRGC and Hezbollah, and became Israel’s main strategic threat. Kidnapping his sister Jamila and his son Hassan was indeed a masterpiece of dangerous stakes, one which paid off and allowed us to pressure Nimer into consenting to the deal that brought him to us,” Nahari continued. “You know better than us what must be done at this pivotal point. Just like you found a way to bring Nimer here.”

  Gideon explained and reminded Nahari and Binyamin, one step after another, the path he’d taken to prevent his childhood friend from pursuing his murder spree, fueled by his need for revenge after losing his wife and two of his children in the Sabra and Shatila massacre. He also reminded them of the part Dan, Noam and the elite Talpiot fighters had played in the operation. Their technological resourcefulness and psychological insights were a crucial part of the risk he’d taken.

  “But all this success, impressive as it is, isn’t enough,” Nahari was back to his characteristic staccato, “if we don’t receive intel from Nimer about the IRGC, Quds Force, and Hezbollah’s method of planning terror attacks. You must bridge the gaps and overcome the senseless communication we’ve had so far.”

  “Gideon, we know that the key to Nimer’s change of heart is in your hands,” Binyamin said. “Nahari is right when he says you might be the only man who can find a way to make him cooperate.”

  “You’re probably right,” Gideon sighed. “But first, we should see how the visit to Jenin and improving his sister’s and son’s conditions will affect Nimer’s willingness to cooperate. This time we should do it the smart way, instead of the right way.”

  “The ball is in your court, Gideon, I trust you. Binyamin will contact you and help as much as needed. Hit the road!” Nahari concluded, showing Gideon out of the chambers.

  Chapter 2

  General Qassem Soleimani, the most ruthless and charismatic leader in the Quds Force, landed in Beirut’s International Airport aboard an executive IRGC airplane. The plane, which had been designed to withstand shoulder-fired missile attacks and was equipped with top-security smart communication systems, was the crown jewel of the IRGC’s aeronautics department. Nasrallah knew just how important the general’s visit was. Qassem Soleimani avidly took care of his physique, and his men knew to avoid his frightful handshake. A graying buzzcut and a petrifying gaze added to his charisma. Soleimani had become renowned for his courage and severity as a youth battalion commander in their war with Iraq. The General’s elevated position in Tehran’s upper echelons invoked in Nasrallah and his military wing a sense of admiration mixed with concern. Hezbollah’s Director of Foreign Affairs and Nasrallah’s personal assistant waited for the General by the ramp of the airplane, parked in the airport’s secured military zone. A luxurious Mercedes idled by the plane that had just landed, its engine purring softly, as men who could not have been mistaken for anything but security guards gathered around it.

  “Welcome to Lebanon, General Soleimani,” said the Director of Foreign Affairs with a wide smile. “We’re delighted to host you and your men during your visit to Lebanon. We shall immediately depart for the Dahieh suburb, and please forgive us for covering your eyes on our way to the headquarters. Our leader’s safety obliges all visitors to wear blindfolds.”

  The General and three of his men stepped into the car. It then roared to life and drove at impossible speed, a blue flasher on its roof, and two motorcycles cleared the crowded city streets. A car manned by Nasrallah’s special unit fighters tailed the Mercedes. The fighters leapt out of the car and took their positions as the procession arrived at the entrance to the underground headquarters, where Nasrallah resided. Without a minute to lose, Nasrallah’s personal assistant took the guest to the chamber’s conference room. General Soleimani’s personal assistant whispered in his ear that the whole complex had been built thanks to the IRGC’s generous contribution. The luscious armchairs formed a horseshoe shape, with two opulent seats at the top for the leader and his guest. Nasrallah still wasn’t present, and General Soleimani refrained from commenting on the power games Hezbollah’s Secretary-General was playing. The General’s assistant suggested that he peruse the file with the red cover, but the latter dismissed him with a wave of his hand.

  “Hello there, General Qassem Soleimani,” Nasrallah called out as he entered the conference room, followed by Hezbollah’s military commander and the head of their intelligence branch. “Welcome. I apologize for the delay. There has been an incident on our border with Israel, another enemy attempt to infiltrate and bomb our tunnel. This is one of the attack tunnels we dug at your suggestion and with your assistance, so that we can launch surprise attacks on enemy settlements. The exchange of fire is over, praise Allah, without any casualties on our side. The enemy has retreated without affecting the tunnel. That is only one example of the daily war we are fighting against the Zionist enemy.”

  “I faced Iran’s enemies many times on the battlefield, and I have learned to appreciate your dedicated fighters. But the topic that worries us today, more than anything,” the General interjected, “is the disappearance of the scientist Dr. Nimer el-Haladi. Our men have gathered all the intel we collected through various means,” Soleimani continued, browsing the pages of the red file his assistant had handed him. “But it took place here, so I would rather hear from you about the chain of events that led us to what appears to be our most serious strategic threat,” Soleimani said.

  “The head of our intelligence branch is here to keep us up to date. Let us hear what we know as of now, and see what can be done.”

  “Thank you, Mr. Secretary-General and General Soleimani,” the head of the intelligence branch started in a small voice.

  “Speak up,” Nasrallah scolded the agitated officer. “We can’t hear you!”

  “Yes, I will,” the intelligence man recovered, cleared his throat, and opened his laptop. “There are two matters that, though connected, must be thoroughly inspected separately. The first is the kidnapping of Nimer’s sister Jamila and his son Hassan, a first-year student at Beirut University. Nimer’s family went missing while he was away on an important mission in North Korea on behalf of ourselves and you, General Soleimani…”

  He described the kidnapping and the deviousness of the Zionist enemy as he explained the security breaches and the lessons learned since.

  “When the matt
er of Nimer’s family was clarified,” Nasrallah interrupted, “I instructed Nimer to return from his mission in North Korea, a mission that was in fact your initiative, and that was when he heard of his family’s disappearance.”

  “And then Dr. el-Haladi disappeared too? Evaporated into thin air?” General Soleimani shook his head in disbelief. “And you left that special, literally priceless man without any protection? Hasn’t it occurred to you that he might want to hurt himself out of grief, or plan something obscure after his two beloved relatives went missing? And who decided this talented man had to be involved in so many strategically sensitive operations?” the General inquired, as Nasrallah and his men dropped their heads and fell silent.

  “If I may, General,” the Hezbollah’s head of intelligence dared speak. “It’s important to note that Nimer’s actions were coordinated with Shahid Imad Mughniyeh, may Allah avenge him, and your Revolutionary Guard. And when it comes to secrecy, there is an advantage in having fewer people handling…”

  “Well, that is all in the past now,” the General concluded. “Do you have any idea of Nimer’s whereabouts? Where has he disappeared to? Has he also been captured by the Israelis?”

  “We must consider the possibility that Nimer wasn’t captured at all. We discovered, slightly late due to busy communication channels, a conversation Nimer had through his untraceable phone. Only now have we discovered he had spoken to Israeli Dr. Gideon Ben Ari, whom we have known for a while as a member of the Israeli Security Organization. After analyzing that conversation, we learned the two may have met in Turkish Cyprus…”

  “Nimer’s arrival in Israel, voluntary or not, is being investigated,” Nasrallah interrupted. “But we must do everything in our power to find Nimer and bring him here, dead or alive. We all remember his training in tunnel concealment in North Korea. He is the only one proficient in all the technological secrets. Revealing those secrets would be a huge strategic threat. We must stop Nimer immediately, and I’m prepared to instruct my men to start this very second.”