Mashaal affair

   A bungled Mossad attempt at assassinating Khaled Mashaal, a senior Hamas political leader believed by Israel to be "responsible for the murder of innocent civilians." The incident occurred on 25 September 1997 in Amman and seriously soured relations with Jordan. The two Mossad agents, carrying forged Canadian passports, were captured, and in return for their release, Israel had to free Hamas founder Sheikh Ahmed Ismail Yassin and dozens of other Palestinian and Jordanian security prisoners from Israeli prisons. The affair ultimately forced the resignation of Mossad chief Danny Yatom and his director of operations. The Ciechanover Commission reported in February 1998 to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Mossad and its head (Yatom) bore full responsibility for the failed assassination attempt.