In the shadowy world of espionage, few figures loom as large as Eli Cohen, the Israeli spy whose daring exploits in Syria during the 1960s have become the stuff of legend. As a former intelligence operative myself, I have long been fascinated by Cohen’s story and the tradecraft he employed to penetrate the highest echelons of the Syrian government. In this article, we will delve into the life and times of this remarkable man, examining the key elements of his success as well as the tragic circumstances of his ultimate downfall.
Born in 1924 in Alexandria, Egypt to a devout Jewish family, Eli Cohen seemed an unlikely candidate for a career in international espionage. After immigrating to Israel in 1956, however, Cohen was recruited by the Mossad, Israel’s vaunted intelligence service. The Mossad recognized in Cohen a rare combination of traits – charm, intellect, fluency in Arabic, and nerves of steel – that would serve him well in the perilous years to come.
In 1961, the Mossad dispatched Cohen to Syria under the alias Kamel Amin Thaabet. His mission was as audacious as it was dangerous: to infiltrate the upper ranks of the Syrian power structure and gather vital intelligence on the secretive Baathist regime and its military capabilities. Posing as a wealthy Syrian businessman returning to his homeland after years abroad, Cohen quickly ingratiated himself with the Syrian elite, forging close ties to politicians, military officers, and even members of the president’s inner circle.
Cohen’s modus operandi was a masterclass in the art of espionage. Gregarious and quick-witted, he endeared himself to his unwitting targets with lavish parties and gifts, all the while gleaning sensitive information from their loose tongues. An expert in the use of “dead drops” and other secure communication methods, Cohen relayed a treasure trove of intelligence back to his handlers in Israel, including data on Syrian military positions, fortifications, and armor concentrations in the Golan Heights.
Of particular value was Cohen’s access to top secret discussions regarding Syria’s designs on its water sources, a perennial point of contention with Israel. Cohen’s reporting provided the Israeli government with invaluable insights into Syrian strategic thinking and laid the groundwork for Israel’s decisive victory over Syria in the Six Day War of 1967.
Yet even as he scaled the heights of Syrian society, Cohen knew that he was perched on a precarious ledge. The Syrians, ever watchful for Israeli infiltration, maintained a vigilant counterintelligence apparatus. Cohen’s frequent disappearances, ostensibly for business trips abroad, aroused the suspicions of Syrian intelligence, which placed him under surveillance.
In January 1965, Cohen was caught in the act of transmitting a coded message to Israel, confirming the Syrians’ worst fears. He was swiftly arrested, brutally tortured, and, following a show trial, publicly hanged in Damascus’ Marjeh Square. Cohen’s grim fate sent shockwaves through the Israeli intelligence community and served as a stark reminder of the perils faced by those who operate in the shadows.
In the annals of espionage, Eli Cohen’s name stands alongside those of other legendary spies like Richard Sorge and Sidney Reilly. His courage, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication to his mission mark him as a true giant of the field. As a former operative, I can attest to the immense challenges and constant danger that Cohen faced in his work. That he achieved such spectacular success is a testament to his skill, fortitude, and unshakable belief in the rightness of his cause.
Today, more than half a century after his death, Eli Cohen remains a revered figure in Israel, a symbol of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the hidden world of intelligence. His story continues to inspire new generations of Israeli operatives, who aspire to match his legendary exploits in defense of the Jewish state. For all of us who have labored in the shadows, Eli Cohen’s legacy stands as an enduring reminder of the vital role that intelligence plays in the security and survival of nations.