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November 1988: How Algeria Thwarted an Israeli Bombing Attempt against the PLO in Algiers

The events of November 1988 in Algiers, where the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was set to declare an independent Palestinian state, were not merely diplomatic proceedings. They were shrouded in geopolitical tension and potential military threats, particularly from Israel, aiming to disrupt the historic gathering. This article explores the little-known narrative of how Algeria, through strategic military preparations, averted a planned Israeli airstrike against the PLO leadership.

Context: Israeli Operations and the Tunisian Precedent

The backdrop to the November 1988 events was set by a previous Israeli operation in Tunis in October 1985. This attack targeted the headquarters of the PLO's Force 17, demonstrating Israel's long-range capabilities and its resolve to eliminate Palestinian leadership outside its borders. The strike, conducted with precision and surprise, underscored Israel's determination to counteract Palestinian resistance despite international ramifications (Kharief, 2018).

Planning and Deployment of Algerian Defenses

In anticipation of the PLO’s declaration in Algiers, Algeria implemented an extensive defensive strategy, mobilizing ground, naval, and air assets to safeguard the Palestinian leaders gathered at the Palais des nations. This proactive stance was influenced by the lessons learned from the Tunisian incident and the potential vulnerability of hosting high-profile Palestinian figures on Algerian soil (Kharief, 2018).

Algeria fortified its air defense systems, deploying radar stations and surface-to-air missile batteries across strategic locations. These measures were crucial in establishing a comprehensive air defense shield, covering a radius of 20 kilometers around the Palais des nations and extending control zones up to 200 kilometers, effectively creating no-fly zones to deter any hostile incursions (Kharief, 2018).

Operational Response to the Threat

On November 10, 1988, Algerian radar stations detected a suspicious formation approaching from the eastern Mediterranean. This radar contact, identified as potentially hostile, triggered an immediate response from Algerian interceptor aircraft. MiG-23 and MiG-25 jets were scrambled to intercept and deter any approaching aircraft, ensuring the safety of the Palestinian leaders convening in Algiers (Cooper, 2018).

The swift and decisive action by Algerian military forces, coupled with advanced radar surveillance and operational readiness, effectively neutralized the imminent threat. The interception mission demonstrated Algeria's capability to respond swiftly and effectively to protect its guests and uphold regional stability amidst heightened geopolitical tensions (Cooper, 2018).

Conclusion

The events of November 1988 in Algiers stand as a testament to Algeria's strategic foresight and operational competence in safeguarding diplomatic processes against external threats. The successful defense against the planned Israeli airstrike not only secured the safety of Palestinian leaders but also reaffirmed Algeria's role in regional security and its commitment to the Palestinian cause.

Belgacem Merbah

References

  • Kharief, A. (2018). Novembre 1988: comment l’Algérie a déjoué un bombardement israélien contre l’OLP à Alger. Middle East Eye. 
  • Cooper, T. (2018). Operation "Wooden Leg": The Planned Israeli Airstrike on the Palais des Nations in November 1988. Air Combat Information Group. 



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