The Syrian Military Intelligence Directorate uncovered the true allegiance of Eli Cohen in 1965, leading to his public execution in Damascus. An operative for the Mossad, he successfully infiltrated the highest echelons of the Syrian political and military hierarchy between 1961 and 1965, relaying critical defense data to Israeli military authorities throughout his clandestine tenure.
Early Background and Zionist Activity
Born in Alexandria in 1924 to a family that immigrated from the Ottoman Empire, Cohen initially pursued religious studies under Chief Rabbi Moise Ventura. Following the closure of the local yeshiva, he enrolled at Cairo University. During the 1950s, he engaged in covert efforts to assist Egyptian Jews in relocating to Israel, including participation in operations linked to the Lavon Affair. Egyptian authorities detained him for interrogation prior to the 1952 revolution, but failed to establish his connection to larger smuggling efforts.
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After departing Egypt following the Suez Crisis in 1956, Cohen relocated to Israel. He initially served in the Israel Defense Forces as a counter-intelligence analyst and translator but resigned due to dissatisfaction. After a period working as a clerk in Tel Aviv, he was recruited by Mossad Director-General Meir Amit. He completed an intensive six-month training course, qualifying him as a field agent or katsa.
Infiltration and Intelligence Gathering
To establish a cover identity as a wealthy Syrian expatriate returning from Argentina, Cohen moved to Buenos Aires in 1961. By 1962, he settled in Damascus under the alias Kamel Amin Thabet. Living in the Abu Rummaneh neighbourhood, he cultivated relationships with ministers and military officials by hosting parties and providing loans. His intelligence collection included photographs and sketches of Syrian fortifications in the Golan Heights and details regarding plans to divert the Jordan River headwaters.
Trial and Execution
By 1964, Cohen reported a growing sense of danger to his superiors. His activities were eventually discovered by Syrian intelligence, and he was subsequently convicted under pre-war martial law. Following his death sentence, he was publicly hanged in Marjeh Square on 18 May 1965. His capture occurred during a period of escalating tensions that preceded the 1967 Arab–Israeli War.
Fast facts
- Born: 1924, Alexandria
- Died: 18 May 1965, Marjeh Square
- Citizenship: Egyptian, Israeli
- Known Alias: Kamel Amin Thabet
- Spouse: Nadia Majald
- Languages: Arabic, Hebrew, English, French, Spanish
Questions readers ask
What was Eli Cohen's primary mission?
He was tasked by the Mossad to infiltrate the Syrian government and military to gather intelligence.
How did Cohen facilitate the relay of information to Israel?
He utilized radio transmissions, secret letters, and in-person meetings during three clandestine trips to Israel.
