In the early summer of 1967, as tensions across the Middle East reached a breaking point, Israel faced a coalition of hostile Arab states determined to eliminate it. What followed would become one of the most decisive conflicts in modern military history. Behind Israel’s swift victory stood not only its armed forces, but also a remarkable intelligence operation led by one man: Eli Cohen.
Cohen, widely regarded as one of the most successful spies in Mossad history, infiltrated Syria’s political and military elite under deep cover. His intelligence would prove critical to Israel’s victory in the Six-Day War, particularly in the capture of the strategic Golan Heights.
A spy built for the role
Eli Cohen was born on December 16, 1924, in Alexandria, Egypt, into a devout Zionist family. His parents were Jewish immigrants who had previously lived in Syria, a background that would later prove crucial.
From an early age, Cohen demonstrated exceptional abilities. He was fluent in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, and French, and possessed an extraordinary memory. He was also highly sociable, able to build relationships across different social circles with ease. These traits would later define his effectiveness as an intelligence operative.
After Israel’s founding, Cohen initially worked in a civilian role translating Arabic-language newspapers for the Israeli Ministry of Defense. Unbeknownst to him, this work served as an informal assessment of his capabilities. He soon came to the attention of Meir Amit, then director of Mossad, who was searching for a suitable agent to infiltrate Syria’s leadership.
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In 1959, Cohen was recruited into Mossad and underwent intensive training in surveillance, communications, and covert operations. A critical part of his preparation involved fully adopting the identity and cultural habits of a Syrian national. Mossad’s expectation was clear: he had to become indistinguishable from a native.
Rising inside Damascus
By 1962, operating under the alias Kamel Amin Thaabet, Cohen had established himself in Damascus as a wealthy Syrian businessman returning from Argentina. His cover story was meticulously constructed, including time spent in Argentina to obtain citizenship and build credibility.
In Damascus, Cohen quickly embedded himself in elite social circles. He hosted lavish parties, cultivated relationships with senior officials, and gained the trust of influential figures, including Amin al-Hafiz, who would later become Syria’s president.
His social access translated into extraordinary intelligence gains. Through informal conversations and careful observation, Cohen gathered sensitive information about Syria’s military planning and internal politics. He transmitted this intelligence back to Israel using concealed radio equipment in his apartment, located near the Syrian Ministry of Defense.
The Golan Heights breakthrough
Cohen’s most consequential contribution came through his detailed reporting on Syrian military positions in the Golan Heights. During visits to the heavily fortified region, he memorized the layout of bunkers, artillery placements, and defensive infrastructure.
He also proposed, under the guise of concern for soldiers’ comfort, that trees be planted near military positions to provide shade. Syrian officers accepted the suggestion. These trees later became highly visible markers that helped Israeli forces identify and target key positions during the 1967 war.
When Israel launched its offensive in June 1967, its forces moved rapidly against Syrian defenses. The intelligence Cohen had supplied allowed Israeli artillery and air units to strike with precision. Within hours, Israeli forces secured the Golan Heights, a decisive strategic gain that reshaped the regional balance.
Exposure and execution
Despite years of success, Cohen’s operation began to unravel in early 1965. His increasingly frequent radio transmissions attracted attention, particularly after interference complaints from nearby diplomatic missions.
Using Soviet-supplied detection equipment, Syrian counterintelligence identified unusual radio signals. Through systematic power outages and signal tracking, they pinpointed Cohen’s location.
On January 24, 1965, Syrian agents entered his apartment while he was transmitting intelligence. He was arrested and charged with espionage.
The arrest triggered a political shock within Syria, leading to the downfall of hundreds of officials suspected of connections or security lapses.
Israel launched an extensive international campaign to secure Cohen’s release. Appeals came from global leaders, including French President Charles de Gaulle and other international figures. The Syrian government refused all requests.
On May 18, 1965, Eli Cohen was publicly executed by hanging in Damascus.
A national symbol
In Israel, Cohen is remembered not only as a spy, but as a symbol of sacrifice and national resilience. He ranks among the most revered figures in Israeli history, and his story is taught in schools and commemorated nationwide.
Despite repeated requests from his family and the Israeli government, his remains have never been returned. Syrian authorities have stated that the burial location is unknown, reportedly moved multiple times.
A memorial stone bearing his name stands in Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl cemetery, even though his body is not buried there. Streets, institutions, and even a Mossad unit have been named in his honor.
Meir Amit, the Mossad director who recruited him, once described Cohen as unmatched among intelligence operatives. His legacy endures as one of the most extraordinary cases of deep-cover espionage in modern history.
By Yuan Shan
