Mossad helps UK secure Olympics

Mossad officials participated in a security drill at London's Olympic Park last weekend.

A source at the British Cabinet told Yedioth Ahronoth that the drill simulated a terrorist attack on athletes, similar to the one that occurred in the Munich Olympics in 1972, when Palestinian terrorists took over the building where the Israeli delegation was staying, and killed 11 of them.

The UK's entire defense establishment, including the emergency services, participated in the massive drill, which was held secretly by the British Defense Ministry.

But British intelligence officials were not satisfied, and invited their Mossad counterparts to share their experience.

The drill simulated a scenario where athletes are held hostage by terrorists. A large part of the exercise took place inside the park's residential buildings, under live fire. The village was surrounded by guards who kept out onlookers.

A source at the British Olympic Association said that "certain Israeli elements are advising us on securing the Olympic games." Israel is considered an authority on urban warfare.

The UK has allocated nearly a billion dollars for the security of the athletic event – more than 10% of the event's budget.

Last weekend's drill is the first in a series exercises that are expected to take place in the coming month. The British defense establishment is also preparing to deal with attacks on other Olympic facilities and on the streets of London, which will be flooded with tourists come next July.

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