logo
Who was Eli Cohen? Israel recovers items of legendary spy, 60 years after his execution in Syria

Who was Eli Cohen? Israel recovers items of legendary spy, 60 years after his execution in Syria

First Post19-05-2025

Israel has recovered the personal belongings and documents of one of its most famous spies, Eli Cohen, who was sent to Syria on a secret mission and executed after his cover was blown. However, his body has yet to be recovered. Who was Cohen? read more
In this undated photo released by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office, identity documents of Eli Cohen are displayed. AP
Some 2,500 items, including personal belongings and documents, of famous Israeli spy, Eli Cohen, have been recovered by Israel from Syria. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office made the announcement on Sunday, which marks the 60th anniversary of Cohen's execution in Damascus in May 1965.
According to the PM's office, these items form the entirety of the Syrian records linked to Eli Cohen. He was one of Israel's most famous spies who infiltrated the political echelon in Syria.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
'We conducted a special operation by the Mossad, by the State of Israel, to bring his (Eli Cohen's) archive, which had been in the safes of the Syrian intelligence for 60 years,' Netanyahu told Nadia Cohen, Eli Cohen's wife, on Sunday in Jerusalem.
Here is all you need to know about the spy and the operation.
Who was Eli Cohen?
Eli Cohen, an intelligence operative for Israel, carried out a deep-infiltration mission in Syria during the 1960s, an operation widely regarded as one of the most extraordinary instances of espionage in modern history.
Born in Egypt in 1924 to parents of Jewish faith, Cohen was expelled from the country at the end of the 1956 War, when Israel occupied the Sinai. He subsequently immigrated to Israel in 1957, according to the Jewish Virtual Library.
At 29, he offered to join the Israeli Intelligence Services but was turned down twice. However, he was placed in a reserve Israeli Air Force formation as a logistics clerk. He took up an accounting job later.
However, in 1960, the Israeli intelligence was ready to take a look at him again. This was a time when tensions along the border with Syria were rising. Possessing knowledge of the Arabic language and a profound understanding of Middle Eastern culture, Cohen would be an asset.
At first, he turned down the opportunity. However, when he lost his accounting job and the intelligence approached him for the second time, he said yes.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
He underwent extensive training, from high-speed evasive driving techniques to weapons use and sabotage. His most challenging task was to learn the intricate and unmistakable phonetic tune of Syrian Arabic, says the article on Jewish Virtual Library.
A new identity was created for Cohen. He was Kamal Amin Ta'abet (also called Tabas in some sources), who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, to Syrian Muslim parents.
In early 1961, Chaim Herzog, chief of military intelligence, who later went on to become the president of Israel, signed the document authorising Cohen's use as a spy.
Why was Eli Cohen sent to Syria?
Cohen posed as a wealthy Arab businessman returning from Argentina to invest in Syria under his new alias Ta'abet. He quickly gained access to Syria's political and military elite through charm, generosity and patriotism, ultimately rising to become a top adviser to Syria's defence minister. He provided invaluable intelligence to Israel, including details about military installations, troop movements and even future attack plans.
Cohen's most renowned contribution to Israeli intelligence was the relay of detailed information concerning Syrian military fortifications situated on the Golan Heights . The exceptional precision of the intelligence he provided played a critical and instrumental role in Israel's swift and decisive military victory during the Six-Day War of 1967.
Elie Cohen, far left, head of an Israeli spy ring, listens as he is sentenced to death by a special military court in Damascus, Syria, May 8, 1965. AP
However, in a tragic turn of events, Cohen's cover was blown when Syrian counterintelligence detected unusual radio transmissions. He was caught sharing information with Israel in 1965. Following his arrest, he was subjected to torture and brought to trial. Despite numerous international appeals for clemency, Cohen was publicly executed by hanging in Damascus on May 18, 1965.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
His remains have yet to be returned to Israel, where he is regarded as a national hero.
What belongings has the Israeli government brought back?
On Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shared some of the 2,500 items from the Syrian archive relating to Eli Cohen with his widow.
The items include his passport, documents, recordings, photographs and materials gathered by Syrian intelligence following his capture in January 1965, handwritten correspondence to his family residing in Israel, photographic documentation of his activities during his operational mission in Syria and personal effects confiscated from his residence after his apprehension.
Furthermore, the collection features numerous personal belongings of Cohen, notably the keys to his apartment in Damascus, which were confiscated by Syrian intelligence at the time of his arrest.
Cohen's original will, drafted just hours before he was hanged, was also recovered, reported the Times of Israel, quoting the Prime Minister's Office.
Mossad Chief David Barnea indicated that the retrieval of the archive constitutes 'another step in advancing the investigation to locate the burial place of our man in Damascus.' He further stated, 'We will continue to work to locate and return all the missing, the fallen, and the kidnapped.'
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
The PMO attributed the success of the operation to decades-long efforts by the Mossad 'to locate every piece of information about Eli Cohen in an attempt to shed light on his fate and burial place', the report said.
Ahead of viewing the items, Nadia Cohen told Netanyahu that the most important thing was to bring back Cohen's body. Netanyahu said Israel was continuing to work on locating Cohen's body.
'Eli is an Israeli legend. He's the greatest agent Israeli intelligence has had in the years the state has existed. There was no one like him,' Netanyahu said.
With inputs from AP

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Israeli Forces 'Kidnap' Greta Thunberg: Activist's Shocking Last Video Sends Shockwaves
Israeli Forces 'Kidnap' Greta Thunberg: Activist's Shocking Last Video Sends Shockwaves

Time of India

time43 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Israeli Forces 'Kidnap' Greta Thunberg: Activist's Shocking Last Video Sends Shockwaves

Greta Thunberg Kidnapped By Israeli Forces: Climate activist Greta Thunberg released a dramatic video claiming she was 'kidnapped' by Israeli forces in international waters while on an aid flotilla headed to war-ravaged Gaza. In the footage, she appealed for help, stating, 'We're being intercepted by Israeli occupational forces.' Greta urged the Swedish government to intervene, calling the act illegal and a threat to humanitarian efforts. Israeli officials confirmed the vessel had been redirected to an Israeli port and that all aboard, including Greta, were unharmed. However, the Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed her video as a 'publicity stunt,' referring to the boat as a 'selfie yacht.' The IDF later released footage of passengers being offered food and water, concluding with the statement: 'The show is over.' Read More

Why did Israel seize Greta Thunberg's Gaza aid ship? What happens next?
Why did Israel seize Greta Thunberg's Gaza aid ship? What happens next?

First Post

timean hour ago

  • First Post

Why did Israel seize Greta Thunberg's Gaza aid ship? What happens next?

Israeli forces intercepted the British-flagged aid vessel Madleen, carrying Greta Thunberg and 11 other activists, as it attempted to breach the Gaza blockade. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition called it an 'abduction', while Israel dismissed the mission as a publicity stunt read more Climate activist Greta Thunberg with other activists from a human rights organisation meets with journalists in Catania, Italy, June 1, 2025, ahead of their departure. File Image/AP Israeli military forces have boarded and seized control of a British-flagged humanitarian vessel, Madleen, which was headed toward Gaza in a high-profile attempt to bypass Israel's longstanding naval blockade of the Palestinian territory. On board were 12 international activists, including Swedish climate advocate Greta Thunberg and French MEP Rima Hassan. The operation, conducted in the early hours of Monday in international waters, prevented the vessel from reaching its intended destination. The ship, organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), was carrying what it described as critical humanitarian items such as baby formula, rice and medical supplies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The coalition had launched the weeklong mission from Sicily with the aim of highlighting the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza and pressuring governments to take more direct action. A surveillance footage shows crew of the Gaza-bound British-flagged yacht 'Madleen', put their hands up as strong light came into the vessel, in this screengrab from a video released on June 9, 2025. Freedom Flotilla Coalition via Reuters The interception drew swift condemnation from the flotilla's organisers and rights groups, who accused Israel of unlawfully intervening in a peaceful humanitarian voyage. Israeli officials, however, dismissed the effort as a theatrical manoeuvre intended to generate global media attention. How Israel has justified the move Israel's Foreign Ministry later confirmed that its naval forces had taken over the vessel and redirected it to an Israeli port. In a social media post, the ministry described the vessel disparagingly, referring to it as 'the 'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities,'' and added, 'The passengers are expected to return to their home countries.' All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 The ministry also stated that the individuals aboard the ship were not harmed and had been provided basic food and water. 'All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over,' the ministry wrote, accompanying footage of the activists wearing lifejackets and seated aboard the ship. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz had earlier instructed the military to block the ship's entry into Gaza waters. Labelling the voyage a propaganda stunt on behalf of Hamas, Katz stated that Israel would not allow any breach of its maritime restrictions around Gaza. The government reiterated that the small amount of aid being transported would be rerouted to Gaza via authorised humanitarian channels. 'The tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the 'celebrities' will be transferred to Gaza through real humanitarian channels,' the foreign ministry stated. How activists aboard reacted According to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, Israeli forces approached and boarded the vessel at approximately 2 am local time while it was still in international waters. The group condemned the operation as a violation of international maritime law, stating: 'The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted, and its life-saving cargo — including baby formula, food and medical supplies — confiscated.' Huwaida Arraf, a representative of the FFC, added: 'Israel has no legal authority to detain international volunteers aboard the Madleen. These volunteers are not subject to Israeli jurisdiction and cannot be criminalised for delivering aid or challenging an illegal blockade – their detention is arbitrary, unlawful, and must end immediately.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The coalition also published a pre-recorded message from Greta Thunberg that was released after the interception. In the video, Thunberg stated: 'If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces, or forces that support Israel. I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible.' SOS! the volunteers on 'Madleen' have been kidnapped by Israeli forces. Greta Thunberg is a Swedish citizen. Pressure their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe! Web: X : @SweMFA FB : @SweMFA IG : swedishmfa#AllEyesOnMadeleen — Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025 Rima Hassan, the French lawmaker of Palestinian descent who was also on board, confirmed the arrest on social media and posted an image of the crew seated with their hands in the air, all wearing orange life vests. What the voyage to Gaza meant The Madleen had departed from Sicily and had recently made a stop to rescue four migrants attempting to evade the Libyan coast guard by jumping into the sea. The journey, while modest in terms of aid volume, was primarily designed to draw global attention to Gaza's worsening humanitarian situation. Gaza, home to over 2 million Palestinians, has been grappling with severe shortages of food, fuel and medical supplies. Israel first imposed a blockade on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas took control of the coastal enclave. While Israel argues that the blockade is necessary to prevent Hamas from acquiring weapons, human rights organisations have long criticised it as a form of collective punishment against the population of Gaza. The current blockade was tightened further following the outbreak of war in October 2023. The latest conflict began after Hamas launched a coordinated attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 others, according to Israeli figures. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since then, Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed over 54,000 Palestinians, the Gaza Health Ministry reports, noting that women and children comprise the majority of the dead. The scale of destruction has left around 90 per cent of Gaza's residents displaced and heavily dependent on international aid for survival. Although Israel has allowed limited aid to enter through official crossings under international pressure — particularly from the United States — humanitarian experts warn the current levels are inadequate. The United Nations has sounded alarms about looming famine conditions across much of the Gaza Strip. What next for the activists Francesca Albanese, the United Nations' special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, supported the FFC's mission and called for a broader civil society push to challenge the blockade. 'Madleen's journey may have ended, but the mission isn't over. Every Mediterranean port must send boats with aid & solidarity to Gaza,' she wrote on social media. This incident is not the first time the Freedom Flotilla Coalition has faced disruption at sea. In a separate episode last month, another FFC vessel was allegedly struck by drones in international waters near Malta, damaging its front section. The group attributed the strike to Israeli forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Efforts to end the war through negotiated truces remain deadlocked. Hamas has insisted that it will not release the remaining 55 hostages — over half of whom are believed to be deceased — unless Israel agrees to a permanent ceasefire and full military withdrawal. Israel, meanwhile, has pledged to continue operations until all hostages are recovered and Hamas is dismantled or expelled. For now, the Madleen's passengers are expected to be returned to their respective countries. Also Watch: With inputs from agencies

Who Is Greta Thunberg And Why Was She On The Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted By Israel?
Who Is Greta Thunberg And Why Was She On The Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted By Israel?

News18

timean hour ago

  • News18

Who Is Greta Thunberg And Why Was She On The Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted By Israel?

Last Updated: Greta Thunberg was on board Gaza-bound Madleen, but Israeli forces intercepted and redirected the vessel, calling the mission a media stunt aimed at breaching its naval blockade On 9 June 2025, Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg once again made global headlines, not for her climate activism but for her presence on board a Gaza-bound aid ship that was intercepted by the Israeli Navy. The vessel, Madleen, had set sail from Catania, Sicily, on 1 June 2025, carrying humanitarian supplies as part of a flotilla organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition to challenge Israel's naval blockade on Gaza. The interception, which took place in international waters approximately 20 nautical miles off Egypt's coast, has reignited debate over the enforcement of maritime blockades, international law, and Gaza's humanitarian crisis. Who Is Greta Thunberg? Greta Thunberg is a 22-year-old activist from Sweden who first attracted global attention in 2018, when she began a school strike outside the Swedish Parliament calling for stronger action on climate change. Her campaign, which came to be known as Fridays for Future, gained widespread traction internationally, with similar protests taking place in multiple countries. In 2019, Thunberg addressed the United Nations Climate Action Summit, a speech that received extensive global media coverage. She was later named TIME Magazine's Person of the Year for 2019. Over the years, she has been involved in various protests and conferences related to climate policy, often promoting the reduction of carbon footprints, including choosing alternative modes of transport to avoid air travel. In addition to environmental issues, Thunberg has also participated in advocacy related to broader humanitarian and political matters, including speaking out on conflicts in Ukraine, Armenia, and most recently, Gaza. In June 2025, Greta Thunberg joined a mission organised by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), a group that has repeatedly attempted to sail vessels towards Gaza in defiance of Israel's naval blockade, which has been in place since 2007 following Hamas's takeover of the territory. Israel maintains that the blockade is necessary to prevent weapons and military equipment from reaching Hamas and other militant groups operating in Gaza. The vessel involved in the latest attempt, a British-flagged yacht named 'Madleen', departed from the port of Catania, Sicily, on 1 June 2025. Onboard were 12 activists, including Thunberg, along with a limited quantity of supplies such as baby formula, medical kits, water purification devices, flour, rice, nappies, and prosthetics. While the amount of aid was relatively small compared to Gaza's broader humanitarian needs, organisers said the primary aim was to publicly challenge Israel's naval blockade, which they argue contributes to the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The mission drew comparisons to the 2010 Mavi Marmara incident, when Israeli forces intercepted a larger flotilla attempting to breach the blockade. That operation led to clashes, resulting in nine deaths and widespread diplomatic fallout. While organisers described the latest voyage as peaceful, Israeli authorities characterised it as a deliberate provocation designed to challenge Israel's maritime security enforcement and potentially assist groups hostile to Israel. The SOS Video Before Interception In the hours leading up to the interception, a pre-recorded SOS video featuring Greta Thunberg was released on social media by the Freedom Flotilla Coalition. The video, recorded in anticipation of possible Israeli action, was published shortly after contact with the vessel was lost. In the clip, Thunberg says: 'My name is Greta Thunberg, and I am from Sweden. If you see this video, we have been intercepted and kidnapped in international waters by the Israeli occupational forces. Pressure your foreign ministries to release me and the others as soon as possible." SOS! the volunteers on 'Madleen' have been kidnapped by Israeli Thunberg is a Swedish their foreign ministries and help us keep them safe!Web: X : @SweMFA FB : @SweMFA IG : swedishmfa #AllEyesOnMadeleen — Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) June 9, 2025 The video quickly drew international attention, generating extensive coverage across global media outlets and amplifying the flotilla's campaign. In response, Israeli officials described the mission as part of a broader public relations effort aimed at generating diplomatic pressure and portraying Israel's maritime enforcement actions in a negative light. In additional official statements on X, Israel's Foreign Ministry referred to the intercepted vessel as a 'selfie yacht", and emphasised that all activists were 'safe, unharmed, and receiving food and water" after being brought to port. All the passengers of the 'selfie yacht' are safe and unharmed. They were provided with sandwiches and water. The show is over. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 How Did The Interception Unfold? On the night of June 8-9, the Madleen was intercepted by the Israeli Navy approximately 20 nautical miles off the Egyptian coast — still in international waters. According to the Freedom Flotilla activists, Israeli forces used drones that sprayed irritant substances onto the yacht's deck, ordered passengers to discard their phones and navigation devices, and forcibly took control of the vessel. Live streams from the ship were cut off during the operation, adding to the drama. The activists described the boarding as 'piracy" and 'state kidnapping," alleging that they were violently intercepted while attempting a peaceful humanitarian mission. The Israeli military, however, rejected these accusations, stating that the interception was necessary to enforce the blockade, which they argue prevents potential weapons smuggling by groups such as Hamas. After taking control, Israeli authorities redirected the vessel to the Israeli port of Ashdod. The activists were detained, processed, provided food and water, and are set to be deported. The humanitarian aid carried onboard would be inspected and, after clearance, transferred to Gaza via official Israeli-controlled crossings. Why Does Israel Maintain A Naval Blockade On Gaza? Israel imposed the naval blockade on Gaza in 2007, shortly after Hamas — which Israel, the United States, and the European Union designate as a terrorist organisation — seized control of the coastal territory. According to Israeli authorities, the blockade is a critical security measure designed to prevent the smuggling of weapons, explosives, and dual-use materials that could be used for military purposes. Israel argues that Hamas has repeatedly used smuggling routes, including tunnels and maritime channels, to bring in rockets, missiles, and other military equipment that have been used in attacks on Israeli civilians. To this day, Israel insists that any attempt to breach the blockade, even for humanitarian reasons, threatens its national security, as such breaches could potentially be exploited by militant groups. What Does International Maritime Law Say? The legality of Israel's blockade sits at the centre of an ongoing international legal debate. Under the San Remo Manual on International Law Applicable to Armed Conflicts at Sea (1994), naval blockades are permitted during armed conflict if certain conditions are met: the blockade must be declared, must not starve the civilian population, must allow essential humanitarian aid, and neutral vessels attempting to breach it may be intercepted even in international waters. Israel argues that its blockade complies with these provisions, citing its 2007 notification and security concerns regarding Hamas's military activities. However, many international organisations, including several United Nations bodies and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), argue that the Gaza blockade amounts to collective punishment, severely restricting Gaza's civilian population from accessing food, medicine, water, fuel, and other essentials. While the San Remo Manual allows for enforcement in international waters, critics argue that any interception must still meet proportionality tests and avoid violating fundamental human rights. Whether Israel's specific enforcement actions meet those standards remains a contested legal question now before international courts. What Happens Next? All 12 activists aboard the Madleen, including Greta Thunberg, were taken into Israeli custody after the vessel was redirected to Ashdod. On Monday, Israel's Foreign Ministry confirmed via social media: 'Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits." Greta Thunberg is currently on her way to Israel, safe and in good spirits. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 In a series of posts on X, the Ministry took a sharply critical tone towards the flotilla, referring to the intercepted vessel as a 'selfie yacht" carrying 'celebrities" engaged in what it described as a media stunt aimed purely at generating publicity. Using pointed language, Israeli officials said the activists' cargo amounted to less than a single truckload of aid, while accusing them of attempting to turn the delivery into an 'Instagram selfies" operation rather than a genuine humanitarian effort. top videos View all The 'selfie yacht" of the 'celebrities" is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are expected to return to their home Greta and others attempted to stage a media provocation whose sole purpose was to gain publicity — and which included… — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 The Foreign Ministry also remarked that the 'tiny amount of aid that was on the yacht and not consumed by the 'celebrities'" would be transferred to Gaza through established humanitarian channels, after undergoing standard inspection. Israeli officials contrasted the flotilla's symbolic cargo with ongoing official relief operations, noting that over 1,200 aid trucks had entered Gaza from Israel in the preceding two weeks, with close to 11 million meals distributed to civilians via the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Gaza aid greta thunberg israel Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 09, 2025, 11:23 IST News world Who Is Greta Thunberg And Why Was She On The Gaza-Bound Boat Intercepted By Israel?

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store