How the Mossad stole the world's most advanced fighter jet

The podcast 'Digging Journalism' returns to Operation Diamond, in which the Mossad stole a MiG-21 jet from Iraq in 1966. An Iraqi Christian pilot, Munir Redfa, recruited through his frustration over lack of promotion, landed in Israel with the advanced Soviet aircraft, which posed a major threat to the Israeli Air Force.

The podcast 'Digging Journalism' returns to Operation Diamond, one of the most daring espionage operations in Israel's history. On August 16, 1966, an Iraqi MiG-21, the most advanced Soviet fighter jet of the time, landed at Hatzerim Airbase. The pilot, Munir Redfa, a Christian from Iraq's religious minority, was recruited by the Mossad after his frustration over lack of promotion made him an ideal candidate. The operation, which lasted nearly three years, included secret meetings in Rome and Israel, and the broadcast of the song 'Marhabtain Marhabtain' on Kol Israel in Arabic as a signal to depart. Redfa navigated westward with nerves of steel, was intercepted by Israeli Mirage jets, and led to Hatzerim. The Israeli Air Force thoroughly examined the aircraft, and the intelligence was also shared with the United States. The operation is considered a notable achievement during the tenure of Mossad chief Meir Amit, and it strengthened the Mossad's international standing.