Israel Uncovers Historical Artifacts of Renowned Spy Eli Cohen

Prime Minister Netanyahu's office reveals the acquisition of 2,500 items belonging to Eli Cohen, a spy executed in 1965, providing insight into his vital contributions to Israeli intelligence.

For decades, the Israeli government has tirelessly sought the remains of Eli Cohen, whose espionage work played a monumental role in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics during the 1960s. Although Cohen's physical remains remain elusive, recent developments suggest that Israel may have made a significant breakthrough.

On Sunday, a statement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office indicated that intelligence services had successfully retrieved a significant collection of documents and personal items belonging to Cohen from Syria. This impressive trove, comprising approximately 2,500 artifacts, includes photographs and documents from Cohen's time undercover, details surrounding his last days, personal possessions from his home, and handwritten letters to his family.

The Mossad, Israel's esteemed foreign intelligence agency, collaborated with a foreign ally to secure these important archival materials; however, specifics regarding the foreign government involved or the timeline of recovery were not disclosed.

Eli Cohen's clandestine operations in Syria, spanning three years in the early 1960s, were marked by the strategic relationships he developed with key Syrian officials. His intelligence gathering proved critical, offering Israel insights into Syria's military capabilities and political dynamics. Tragically, he was executed in 1965, yet his intelligence was pivotal to Israel's success in the Arab-Israeli War of 1967, leading to significant territorial gains, including the Golan Heights.