The Nazi Hunters

On May 18th, the Israeli delegation departs Tel Aviv, bound for Argentina's centennial celebration. Of the delegation, only one man, Abba Eban, knows that their return cargo includes Eichmann. Prime Minister Ben-Gurion had personally informed Eban of the special purpose intended for their flight. Eban is not allowed to divulge any of this information, as doing so could potentially compromise secrecy. However, many of the crew and officials at El Al have participated in clandestine activities on behalf of the Israeli secret services before, such that they had their own nickname: "monkey business crews."Nevertheless, this mission is different. Although no one is explicitly told so, it’s clear something big is up. It’s common knowledge that many Nazis have repatriated to Argentina, and that the Mossad is after them. Copilot Shmuel Wedeles even goes so far as to ask, "Eichmann or Mengele" (in reference to another infamous war criminal and mass murderer), but receives no response.

Although pursued by the Tacuara, the Israelis can only wait in the safehouse. During that time, although the official interrogation is over, they continueto interview Eichmann. They learn that Eichmann feels little responsibility and no real remorse for his role in the Holocaust. This is not their principal concern, though. Instead, they need to convince Eichmann to agree to be tried in Israel. While they are prepared to take Eichmannwhether he agrees or not, for Eichmann to sign off on allowing the trial to occur would put the entire endeavor on better legal grounding. Breaking protocol, Peter Malkin, whose sister, Fruma, died at Auschwitz, plies Eichmann with wine, music, and cigarettes. He signs the letter, agreeing to be tried in Israel. Some of the team is uneasy, and even furious, at how well Eichmann has been treated. The return flight is set for May 20th, at midnight.

The team spends most of the day of departure going over their assumed identities and making final preparations for the journey. A limousine with diplomatic plates is acquired, along with false diplomatic credentials. Eichmann is given the identity of "Zeev Zichroni," and sent with false medical paperwork. At the airport, the members of the team busy themselves with various last-minute preparations: Moshe Tabor oversees the construction of a secret compartment in the cabin of the El Al airplane; Avraham Shalom keeps tabs on the guards he'd befriended, and Isser Harel sets up shop in an airport restaurant, allowing him to meet freely with his agents.

At the safehouse, Eichmann is sedated and dressed in an El Al uniform. The agents load him in the waiting limousine and head for the airport. At the airport, Captain Wedeles informs the crew that they are participating in a "great event" but gives them no specific details. Eichmann arrives shortly after, flanked by the other agents. They carry him onto the plane and set him in the first-class cabin. An attendant lowers the lights, while another places a blanket over him. On orders, the accompanying agents pretend to sleep. Their cover story, if the plane is searched, is that the crew is merely trying to get some rest in preparation for the long flight. It is only after 11:30 PM that Harel and the other agents are allowed to board. However, near midnight, they are informed there is a problem with their flight plan, and they will have to wait. Harel and the others are convinced they have been caught out. They briefly consider taking off without clearance, but decide against itfor the meantime. Two men leave the airplane to resolve the matter, but are told if they do not return in ten minutes, they will be left behind.