The assassination of Islamic Jihad terrorist Baha Abu al-Ata by Israel on Tuesday dealt the Iranian-backed terrorist group a serious moral and operational blow, and there is no doubt whatsoever that the fact al-Ata no longer walks this earth has prevented numerous terrorist attacks.
It is hard to overestimate al-Ata's importance. He was a prominent Islamic Jihad commander in Gaza, the one responsible for the production of weapons – especially missiles – with assistance from the terrorist group's Iranian patrons. Over the past year, he personally ordered the execution of a series of terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers with the aim of dragging Israel into a conflict in the Gaza Strip, from which, he hoped, Islamic Jihad would benefit.
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While al-Ata's elimination triggered a serious flare-up on the Israel-Gaza border, the decisions on its extent and duration fall to Hamas – Gaza's rulers – who have so far remained mum, albeit it is clear its leadership is not heartbroken over al-Ata's removal. Still, one would do well to remember that the war on terror is decided on points rather than on a knockout, and in this fight, Israel has noted a significant achievement.
Al-Ata will soon be succeeded by another bloodthirsty terrorist, but there is no doubt that this successful Israeli operation has dented the self-confidence and arrogance of those who think they are invincible. They, too, know their day will come.
Still, Gaza-based Islamic Jihad officials answer to their leaders in Damascus, how are themselves pawns for their Iranian masters. After all, the Islamic Jihad is the only Sunni terrorist organization that has long been subject to the rule of the Shiite Ayatollahs in Iran. It depends on Tehran for its funding and weapons, and therefore must obey its dictates.
A simultaneous attempt to eliminate senior Islamic Jihad official Akram Ajuri – the group's moneyman in Damascus – was apparently less successful, but his son and bodyguard were killed, driving him further underground.
Islamic Jihad has recently transferred its operational headquarters to Damascus, from where the orders to carry out terrorist attacks in Israel are given. This has made it more difficult for Israel to target Islamic Jihad operatives, but the IDF has still demonstrated a formidable operational and intelligence-gathering capability that will undoubtedly deter jihadists and their Iranian senders.
Israel marked a significant achievement in the war on terror, which is clearly evident by the fact that Hamas has not rushed to join Islamic Jihad's assault in Israel. Any future ceasefire will be based on Israel's ability to generate deterrence through counterterrorism operations the likes of which we saw on Tuesday.
