Eli Cohen, one of Israel’s greatest spies, made history with his heroic exploits at the age of just 41. His secret information played an important role in Israel’s victory in the Six-Day Arab War of 1967. However, he was hanged in 1965 after his identity was revealed while spying in Syria. Even today, 59 years later, Israel is trying to bring back his body.
Cohen’s mission in Syria
In 1962, Eli Cohen infiltrated Syria by impersonating a Syrian businessman named “Kamel Amin Thabet.” Due to his intelligence and charming personality, he won the trust of Syria’s top leaders within three years. He became so influential among the political and military elite that his suggestions came to be considered equivalent to orders from the Syrian government.
Intelligence that changed the outcome of the war
Cohen passed detailed information on Syrian military bases, strategies, and plans to Israel. Based on his information, Israel won the 1967 Arab War in just 6 days. His information played an important role in helping Israel establish control over the Golan Heights region of Syria.
Mystery of hanging and burial in Syria
In May 1965, Cohen was caught in his espionage activities and he was publicly hanged in a square in Damascus. His body was buried in Syria, but the location of his grave has been unknown for decades. Syrian authorities are accused of changing the location several times to hide the body.
Israel’s efforts and Syria’s obstacles
Israel has repeatedly appealed to the Syrian government to return Cohen’s body. However, every time Syria rejected this request. Syria even admitted that it had moved the body several times to confuse Israel.
Life and patriotism of Eli Cohen
Eli Cohen was born in 1924 to a Jewish family in Alexandria, Egypt. After the establishment of Israel in 1948, his family settled in Israel. In 1957, Cohen himself arrived in Israel and joined the Mossad because of his patriotism and talent. He used his proficiency in Arabic, Spanish, and French to carry out successful intelligence operations.
