Eli Cohen: The Mossad’s Master Spy

Did you know that one of Israel’s greatest heroes went by the name of Kamel Amin Thaabet. It sounds unlikely, but this was actually the pseudonym of Mossad agent extraordinaire Eli Cohen who infiltrated the Syrian power elite in the 1960s and used his privileged position to send confidential plans about the 

country’s military and government back to Israel. His story was even turned into a show by Netflix called The Spy.

Pretty cool. But how did Eli Cohen become Kamel Amin Thaabet? How did his dangerous work help Israel and what led to his identity finally being revealed?

In the latest instalment of History of Israel Explained, we bring you the story of the talented Israeli spy who put his country’s safety and security ahead of his own – even though he knew it could ultimately cost him his life.

What do you think of the story of Eli Cohen? Have you ever thought about just how far someone should be expected to go to protect their homeland or what individuals should be expected to sacrifice for their nation – or even if the nation comes ahead of the individual. Let us know what you think of this question in the comments below.