4.39

1

Sep 17, 2014

I have two problems with this book. The first one is that it's way too James Bond-y, it's not an objective book at all, it sensationalizes the "missions" to the extent where you just feel a lot of things are made up. Yes, the gist of the stories might be true, but too many descriptions of who felt what and who thought what and who whispered what make it look like a work of fiction straight out of the author's mind.

The second problem is the hypocrisy of this book! At the end of the day, let's I have two problems with this book. The first one is that it's way too James Bond-y, it's not an objective book at all, it sensationalizes the "missions" to the extent where you just feel a lot of things are made up. Yes, the gist of the stories might be true, but too many descriptions of who felt what and who thought what and who whispered what make it look like a work of fiction straight out of the author's mind.

The second problem is the hypocrisy of this book! At the end of the day, let's not forget that these are people who work as hired killers and I don't care how you spin it to make it look like they're protecting the greater good of the "nation of jews", they still remain criminals who roam the world to murder others, with complete disregard to the judiciary system. ...more

4

Jul 05, 2018

The dirtiest actions should be carried out by the most honest men.
I've been eyeing this book, sitting patiently on my library shelves, enough visits to finally peak my interest, but I knew that lugging this beast of a book home was commitment enough, so I waited for a sign and it came that same week when my mother mentioned the movie The Debt. And, oh, what a racing read! No thriller has been as nail-biting intense as the recounting of these Mossad missions.
The Mossad is widely recognized The dirtiest actions should be carried out by the most honest men.
I've been eyeing this book, sitting patiently on my library shelves, enough visits to finally peak my interest, but I knew that lugging this beast of a book home was commitment enough, so I waited for a sign and it came that same week when my mother mentioned the movie The Debt. And, oh, what a racing read! No thriller has been as nail-biting intense as the recounting of these Mossad missions.
The Mossad is widely recognized today as the best intelligence service in the world. It is also the most enigmatic, shrouded in secrecy. Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service unveils the defi ning and most dangerous operations that have shaped Israel and the world at large from the agency's more than sixty-year history, among them: the capture of Adolf Eichmann, the eradication of Black September, the destruction of the Syrian nuclear facility, and the elimination of key Iranian nuclear scientists.

Through intensive research and exclusive interviews with Israeli leaders and Mossad agents, authors Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal re-create these missions in riveting detail, vividly bringing to life the heroic operatives who risked everything in the face of unimaginable danger. In the words of Shimon Peres, president of Israel, this gripping, white-knuckle read "tells what should have been known and isn't--that Israel's hidden force is as formidable as its recognized physical strength."
To lay it all on the table, I wasn't sure before starting this book if I'd even bother to read through more than one story because the book is quite intimidating in its size. But then I opened the first chapter, titled “ King of Shadows,” and was swept right up into the world of high-stake Mossad operations, led at the hands of the "legendary fighter," Meir Dagan.

4

Aug 05, 2017

Being a lover of spy fiction I have across Mossad in many thrillers. All these novels & movies would portray Mossad as the most lethal secret service in the world. Many online articles also make the same claim. When I learnt about this non-fiction book which claims to tell the stories of the greatest missions of the agency, I knew I had to get the book.

I was expecting that the book would probably throw light on the spectacular success stories of the agency. But, as it turned out the book Being a lover of spy fiction I have across Mossad in many thrillers. All these novels & movies would portray Mossad as the most lethal secret service in the world. Many online articles also make the same claim. When I learnt about this non-fiction book which claims to tell the stories of the greatest missions of the agency, I knew I had to get the book.

I was expecting that the book would probably throw light on the spectacular success stories of the agency. But, as it turned out the book also talked about the failures, embarrassments, misuse of power at the agency’s top,and internal disputes in the organization.

There are 21 chapters in the book – each tells the story of a different mission.

You will see Mossad agents hunting Nazi war criminals in South America, apprehending deserters, assassinating enemies, and even carrying out rescue operations involving Jews in hostile nations. One mission stood out when Mossad had been tasked with rescuing a child kidnapped by his Orthodox grandfather and smuggled abroad with the help of some powerful people. Once, Mossad also made a Nazi war hero work for them.

In the pages of this book – you will meet some extraordinary men & women; some in the service of Mossad while some were the “enemies”.

Each mission reads like a spy thriller. Not some outlandish James Bond adventure – but, something more realistic. The planning, the reconnaissance, the actual execution, the dangers & consequences of capture and not to forget the element of dumb luck – everything is so thrilling.

The authors have included thirty odd pages of bibliography at the end of the book and claimed to use the most reliable information sources. But, in my humble opinion when Mossad is involved – we can never be sure of anything. The authors might have spared no effort but still! We will probably never know the complete truth. Nevertheless, the book was an entertaining read.

It would have been better if the authors had included some geo-political background. It would have allowed readers to better understand the context.

We can debate the legality or ethics of these missions endlessly – people had been assassinated and at times even innocents died. I would only say that if you find the content interesting then you might want to give the book a try.



...more

5

Aug 24, 2015

There is no doubt that 'Mossad' was and is probably one of the best secret service agencies in the world at present. After reading Start-Up nation I became a fan of Israel but now I salute their spirit, their patriotism and their talent in every sphere they wish to engage. Though some of the stories may look like movie pick ups we should remind ourselves of the old saying-"Truth is stranger than Fiction". If you wish to pick something enthralling, scintillating and titillating the secret fighter There is no doubt that 'Mossad' was and is probably one of the best secret service agencies in the world at present. After reading Start-Up nation I became a fan of Israel but now I salute their spirit, their patriotism and their talent in every sphere they wish to engage. Though some of the stories may look like movie pick ups we should remind ourselves of the old saying-"Truth is stranger than Fiction". If you wish to pick something enthralling, scintillating and titillating the secret fighter inside you then read this book. ...more

5

Mar 24, 2013

This is a nonfiction book written like a spy novel. The organization of the book is by covert mission which makes it very easy to pick up and read a chapter at a time and put back down. I usually wanted to read the next though!

The most remarkable thing about the Mossad in my opinion is that they extend their protection to Jews all over the world, not just from Israel. I found it remarkable that they risk their lives for missions that might not sound that important. For example rescuing the This is a nonfiction book written like a spy novel. The organization of the book is by covert mission which makes it very easy to pick up and read a chapter at a time and put back down. I usually wanted to read the next though!

The most remarkable thing about the Mossad in my opinion is that they extend their protection to Jews all over the world, not just from Israel. I found it remarkable that they risk their lives for missions that might not sound that important. For example rescuing the "Syrian virgins". Because they had a shortage of Jewish young men left in Syria, there was no one for them to marry. The Mossad went into hostile enemy territory and took them out with them to Israel.

The sad thing about this book is that it seems no matter how many terrorist leaders they eliminate, there is always someone else to take their place. It's a never ending cycle of madness.

I give this book 5 stars. The authors did a great job of bringing it to life without too much information.

I would have liked the pictures to be organized per chapter and a map to consult would have been nice. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in the middle eastern and Israel conflicts carried out at a covert level. It's full of information I did not previously know about. ...more

4

Mar 28, 2016

Mossad, the formidable Israeli Intelligence Agency, needs no introduction. It is widely regarded as one of the best Intelligence agencies in the world. This remarkable book documents the amazing and controversial events in the history of Mossad. Well documented and authoritative, Mossad is a collection of 21 true stories about operations conducted by Mossad since 1948 against many of Israel’s most determined enemies. Without going into the politics & morality of some of the actions, I would Mossad, the formidable Israeli Intelligence Agency, needs no introduction. It is widely regarded as one of the best Intelligence agencies in the world. This remarkable book documents the amazing and controversial events in the history of Mossad. Well documented and authoritative, Mossad is a collection of 21 true stories about operations conducted by Mossad since 1948 against many of Israel’s most determined enemies. Without going into the politics & morality of some of the actions, I would say every country in the world engages in such secret missions to protect it’s interest & sovereignty and that’s the reality we have to accept. Regardless of one’s feelings about the Mossad’s work, most readers will find this book difficult to put down.

Each of the missions has been described like a suspense story. The book’s core strength is undoubtedly are the unknown facts about the Mossad & it’s missions. From slowing down the Iranian nuclear program, to obtaining Khrushchev’s secret speech. From assassinating the PLO leaders, to stealing a MIG-21 fighter jets. From blowing up the Syrian nuclear reactor, to capturing hidden Nazi war criminals. From rescuing Jews from enemy countries, to double agents. It’s all there and each mission is equally well researched & varied from the rest. Each chapter unfolds like a thriller and keeps you hooked right till the end.

The book is largely written in a chronological order that gives you a sense of key events in Israel’s history. Also it analyses Mossad’s leadership (usually referred as the Ramsad) in all of the chapters. It analyses the agency’s leaders and the personal price those leaders pay for their leadership and the toll it takes on them. Another interesting aspect is that it also covers the biggest failures of Mossad; from failed missions to diplomatic turmoil, without an attempt to gloss over the agency’s shortcomings.

Overall ‘Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service’ is a superlative effort and If you enjoy spy thrillers & history, you will surely enjoy this. Most recommended (4.5/5) ...more

4

Feb 13, 2017

The book is written more like a spy novel than a dry history book. The authors tell the stories of the more famous and well known escapades of the Mossad. The Mossad is recognized as the best intelligence agency in the world. The authors tell the story of the most famous and well justified mission of the kidnapping by the Mossad of Adolf Eichmann in Argentina and bringing him back to Israel to stand trial for war crimes. Bar-Zohar tells about the bombing of the Syrian nuclear reactor and the The book is written more like a spy novel than a dry history book. The authors tell the stories of the more famous and well known escapades of the Mossad. The Mossad is recognized as the best intelligence agency in the world. The authors tell the story of the most famous and well justified mission of the kidnapping by the Mossad of Adolf Eichmann in Argentina and bringing him back to Israel to stand trial for war crimes. Bar-Zohar tells about the bombing of the Syrian nuclear reactor and the assassination of the Iranian nuclear scientist. They also tell the escapades of master spy Elie Cohen. Bar-Zohar not only reports the successful cases, but ones that turned into a disaster for the agency.

The book is a fun read but the book fails to provide the wider perspective of the events. The authors failed to provide the political context of each event. Very little is told about the founding of the Jewish State in 1948 or about the geopolitical outcome of the Six Day War in 1967. Without all the background, one would not understand the problems with the Palestinians. The authors do provide a brief history of the founding of the Mossad and a brief biography of its early leaders.
.
But if you are looking for a light weight spy story, the book is a fun read. The book had the potential of providing an in-depth view of the role of the Mossad and its effects on Israel. Instead, they went for a lightweight fun read.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is about fourteen and half hours long. Benjamin Isaac does a good job narrating the book. ...more

5

Oct 24, 2016

There is no way the book deserves less than five stars as Mossad it self is a five star secret service.As the pages are turned,the book describes execution of Nazis,PLO members,Hamas and Hezbollah agents etc.The book is well written and better than many spy novels. In my opinion,Mossad agents are better than fictional character of James Bond.

5

Nov 09, 2015

Its like reading a 007 thriller - only that this is real! Simply love the spirit of Israelis.

3

Apr 06, 2015

let me start by explaining how I think. I believe that every nation/ Country/ Culture... etc.. has the right to defend itself and do what is necessary according to their point of views.

if you like espionage stories, then its a good, light reading and will keep you busy until you finish it. However, being a book about the shadow world and the dark operations, you can't be sure that any of its stories are accurate or true and maybe if you are of a national that one of the operations took place let me start by explaining how I think. I believe that every nation/ Country/ Culture... etc.. has the right to defend itself and do what is necessary according to their point of views.

if you like espionage stories, then its a good, light reading and will keep you busy until you finish it. However, being a book about the shadow world and the dark operations, you can't be sure that any of its stories are accurate or true and maybe if you are of a national that one of the operations took place against, then you might have your own version or versions.the stories could be 100% accurate..maybe 20% accurate, or maybe not accurate at all. some information could be true as the Israelis believe or came to a conclusion that their version is the right version (like Ashraf Marawan's case) they could be wrong and he was actually playing them and he is a hero to the Egyptian Intelligence and Israel can't accept that because it will make them fools, or maybe that is what really happened.


The Israelis as always call anyone doing anything they don't like a terrorist. I would prefer they accept that they have enemies like any other nation and as they gave the right to themselves to do what's necessary for their survival and plans, they have to give it to others.
The book clearly in more than one occasion call the territory "the Occupied" and that is enough reason to justify what all the neighboring countries are doing and especially the Palestinians to fight the people who occupied their land by force. I don't care if its the promised land or if its an Arab land and I am talking about the reality that hundreds and thousands of Jews immigrated to this land and took it from the people who already lived there. this justifies anything and any action the Palestinians are doing and I don't want to talk about the organizations that are fighting Israel and whether they are terrorists or not because, as I see it, they are doing exactly what the Israelis are doing. there is no difference.

In the book, the Israelis have killed innocent people (by mistake or not), used terror to frighten their enemies and to prove that they are superior than their enemies and everybody else...which again is their right as its everyone else.

I liked the hunt for Nazis and i am fascinated by how they were able to accomplish the missions, like any operation that ends in bringing the target from abroad and from a foreign country is always fascinating.

I am also sad that the creation of Israel and what the Zionist did intentionally or unintentionally created the fear and hate between the Jews and Arabs in Arabic countries, and I can only talk about Egypt. Before Israel, there were no difference between Jews or non Jews in Egypt...many artists and actors who were famous and loved by all were Jews and to this day I still find out about more and more. with the creation of Israel and what they did in the region, people suddenly or gradually forgot that Israel doesn't mean Jews and the acts of the Israelis don't reflect all Jews pov, so they hated them and maybe even treated them differently which in return would make the Jews think and decide that the only way is to leave and immigrate to Israel (many just left Egypt and went to Europe or the U.S) and I imagine that some started to hate the Arabs and so on. it also helped Israel to sell its case that the Jews are in danger and mistreated and also helped the rulers in the Arab countries to have an enemy to blame for everything they fail in.


I also learned from the book that Israel is not that perfect...as the orthodox judge others and decide if they are real Jews or not. Inside the religion are sub-religions as in other religion. Maybe some call for peace, others call for annihilating non jews..and son on..this matter requires more research and reading, but the book gives a slight look inside this world and how even some groups are working against the officials in the "State of Israel". It also shows how Israel doesn't respect any agreements with other countries will do whatever is best for its interest.

As you read and find out what the Mossad will do to eliminate or take out threats, you should begin to think whether they are lying, faking, or staging incidents just to justify killing others who they regard as enemies or "terrorists".


every country has its own spies and its own plans and we shouldn't blame them if they acted against our own countries. We however, have to blame our own intelligence bodies for their failure not to act..defensively or offensively. At the end there is no such thing as peace..there is only common interest. Peace is the highest degree humanity can achieve and that will not happen because , at the end, we are humans.


as I wrote.. If you like spies stories, then its a good book to read and maybe cross reference the stories with other stories or sources...as most of the stories could be fake, inaccurate, or just a part of the propaganda. ...more

5

Feb 20, 2019

To be humbled by a story and its authors is extraordinary for me. This is the true account of the Israeli Secret Service: Mossad and its greatest achievements (and a few SNAFUs) beginning in the 1950’s to 2012. The little country Israel, surrounded by giants, roars like a thousand lions with Mossad against world terrorist organizations to include the PLO, HAMAS, and attacks by Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Syria. It is a truly powerful story worth reading.

5

Nov 17, 2012

Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal is a non-fictionbook by Israeli journalists Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal. The book recounts some of the great successes and failures of the secret Israeli agency.

The book is divided into twenty two distinct chapters, each one a story of its own. The operations range from the complex assassinations of Syrian general Muhammad Suleiman, finding and assassinating rogue scientist Gerald Bull(he Mossad: The Great­est Mis­sions of the Israeli Secret Ser­vice by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nis­sim Mishal is a non-fictionbook by Israeli jour­nal­ists Michael Bar-Zohar and Nis­sim Mishal. The book recounts some of the great suc­cesses and fail­ures of the secret Israeli agency.

The book is divided into twenty two dis­tinct chap­ters, each one a story of its own. The oper­a­tions range from the com­plex assas­si­na­tions of Syr­ian gen­eral Muham­mad Suleiman, find­ing and assas­si­nat­ing rogue sci­en­tist Ger­ald Bull(he was devel­op­ing a super­gun for Sad­dam Hus­sein), the kid­nap­ping Nazi Adolf Eich­mann in Argentina and lur­ing Mordechai Vanunu out of Eng­land into Rome as to not suf­fer the wrath of Thatcher.

Even oper­a­tions which seem mun­dane, such as smug­gling out of the Soviet Union of Nikita Khrushchev’s secret speech, or sneak­ing across the bor­der Jew­ish Syr­ian women (the Syr­ian brides) gets an air of rev­er­ence and com­plex­ity. Other chap­ters include a run down of the years Israel’s great­est spy, Eli Cohen, spent in Syria as well as bring­ing the Jews of Ethiopia to Israel.

The chap­ter about the elim­i­na­tion of Black September’s lead­er­ship does not fail to men­tion the inno­cent Moroc­can waiter, whose only crime was resem­bling Ali Has­san Salameh, one of the Mossad’s tar­get. One of the biggest fail­ures of the Mossad that we know of.

I am famil­iar with Pro­fes­sor Bar-Zohar’s writ­ings, he is a lead­ing Israeli writer on espi­onage. As most of his books, Mossad is also a fast paced, fas­ci­nat­ing look behind thick cur­tains which have been pre­vi­ously closed. The authors’ analy­sis and insight are mes­mer­iz­ing and usu­ally spot on, while the new infor­ma­tion they present, infor­ma­tion that just recently has been uncen­sored, is sim­ply amazing.

One of the most intrigu­ing aspects of the book is not the spec­tac­u­lar suc­cesses, but the equally spec­tac­u­lar fail­ures. Some of these fail­ures are so aston­ish­ing one has to look at the cover to make sure the book is about the Mossad and not the key­stone cops. After­wards pound­ing ones head – “what were they think­ing”.

Author Michael Bar-Zohar said that this is due to "The feel­ing is that we are the best in the world, and there­fore a sense of Israeli ama­teur­ish­ness some­times creeps into the sys­tem. This means they send peo­ple who are not as sea­soned as they should be and they trust that they will not be caught and iden­ti­fied.”

That being said, the Mossad cer­tainly has an extra­or­di­nary achieve­ment record. That record though, cou­pled with clas­sic Israeli self-assurance and over­con­fi­dence, can eas­ily get smirched.

For more reviews and bookish posts please visit: http://www.ManOfLaBook.com ...more

4

Aug 13, 2018

Israel's relations with his neighbours and it's secret service is and was always intriguing subject. I have never encountered a book so true and directly indicating names, dates and modus operandi of the operations by any secret service. This book is full of modern history,secret warfare and intelligence some propaganda too. It could have been better if the author didn't mixed too many details and the flavour of a spy novel.

Overall it is a must read for history buffs. It also arouses so many Israel's relations with his neighbours and it's secret service is and was always intriguing subject. I have never encountered a book so true and directly indicating names, dates and modus operandi of the operations by any secret service. This book is full of modern history,secret warfare and intelligence some propaganda too. It could have been better if the author didn't mixed too many details and the flavour of a spy novel.

Overall it is a must read for history buffs. It also arouses so many questions and thoughts about israel's relation with its neighbours, the support from west (right from the crusade wars), the hypocrisy of politicians, ideologies, religion, innocents civilians killed on both sides , the hatred which fuels countries to destroy each other to the core, cultural clashes, identities, hypocrisy of united nation and West, the dictators, daring heroes of israel,middlemens, manupulators, dictators that tried to be God and because of their pride and ego took extreme measures, terrorism, USA, Cia, secret patches between enemy states, oil, civil wars, colonisation and it's aftermath, power vaccume, west's need to control everything and everyone, their ignorance towards civilians of Arab countries, peace.

Their is so much I cannot describe it in here.

Note: I am not am expert in Israel Arab relations these are my personal opinions from years of news watching, meeting people from both sides and mostly this book. No offense intended. ...more

4

Aug 17, 2015

Mossad is a fast paced, thrilling work of non-fiction that gives the reader a glance into the seemingly impenetrable, censored world of one the most powerful secret service agencies. It is divided into 22 distinct chapters, covering several operations from the kidnapping and execution of the Nazi - Adolf Eichmann to the Israel sponsored emigration of Ethiopian Jews. A must read for anyone interested in the world of espionage - the book not only covers the greatest successes of the agency, but Mossad is a fast paced, thrilling work of non-fiction that gives the reader a glance into the seemingly impenetrable, censored world of one the most powerful secret service agencies. It is divided into 22 distinct chapters, covering several operations from the kidnapping and execution of the Nazi - Adolf Eichmann to the Israel sponsored emigration of Ethiopian Jews. A must read for anyone interested in the world of espionage - the book not only covers the greatest successes of the agency, but also delves into its failures (although in a slightly rushed and superficial manner). My only complaints about the book are that at times the authors get a little too particular with the physical descriptions of the numerous characters, as well as with the conversations that took place, blurring the lines between fiction and non fiction as I'm not sure how well the narrators could recall events that occurred decades ago. Lastly, the ending was a little too abrupt for my taste, and I would have liked a little more insight into the Iran scenario. ...more

4

Apr 10, 2016

The book is well researched and gives an insight into the Israeli agency's operations. The book is divided in 21 chapters each a different operation undertaken. Each of the story reads like a thriller and I enjoyed the book tremendously.

3

Oct 22, 2017

I’d actually like to give 3.5 stars
This was a really good read. I have to say that I learned loads of stuff from this book. It brushes over most of the elite sections and leaders of mossad and most of their big operations.

I like that the authors highlight both the victories and failures of the past operations of mossad. But I would have liked it if it was written with more depth. Some chapters cover particular operations with many details and researched information. But some chapters fell short I’d actually like to give 3.5 stars
This was a really good read. I have to say that I learned loads of stuff from this book. It brushes over most of the elite sections and leaders of mossad and most of their big operations.

I like that the authors highlight both the victories and failures of the past operations of mossad. But I would have liked it if it was written with more depth. Some chapters cover particular operations with many details and researched information. But some chapters fell short of this.

But I still enjoyed this and am glad that I picked it up. ???? ...more

2

May 30, 2014

Interesting, but poorly written and disjointed. The author jumps between dates that makes it hard to follow the incidents chronicled in the book.

3

Feb 23, 2016

The book is badly written with most of the stories and opinions being one-sided. When an Israeli was assassinated, it is described as an 'act of terrorism'; when the assassin was an Israel it is a 'necessary move to protect Israel'.
The authors try to spice up the story and make it sound like a spy novel with unnecessary, and often cumbersome, detail -- and fail quite terribly. Covert operations, as anyone who watched 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' would know, are nothing like an Ian Fleming book.
The book is badly written with most of the stories and opinions being one-sided. When an Israeli was assassinated, it is described as an 'act of terrorism'; when the assassin was an Israel it is a 'necessary move to protect Israel'.
The authors try to spice up the story and make it sound like a spy novel with unnecessary, and often cumbersome, detail -- and fail quite terribly. Covert operations, as anyone who watched 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy' would know, are nothing like an Ian Fleming book.
The only way in which this book has made me wiser is by giving me a close-up, albeit one-sided, picture of the geopolitical situation in and around Israel.
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4

Mar 28, 2014

I have read a few books describing the work of the Mossad and have always been impressed with their determination to accomplish what is necessary to protect their country and people from terrorism and war.

If you want more detail, read books about individual operations. There are many. But this book presents an overview of several major operations with enough detail to be interesting and exciting enough to not want to put the book down. Unlike a book, however, these operations actually happened. I have read a few books describing the work of the Mossad and have always been impressed with their determination to accomplish what is necessary to protect their country and people from terrorism and war.

If you want more detail, read books about individual operations. There are many. But this book presents an overview of several major operations with enough detail to be interesting and exciting enough to not want to put the book down. Unlike a book, however, these operations actually happened. The book is mostly unbiased and honest, describing serious failures and major mistakes as well as the many successes of the Mossad.

It gives a thorough description of the many purposes of the Mossad from rescuing a kidnapped child, transporting Jews back to Israel from all over the world, providing training and arms for Jews to defend themselves in areas of extreme persecution as well as carrying out the operations that we associate them with.

The book details the political problems involved with carrying out operations in foreign countries and the fluctuating support given to Israel by most nations, including the US. When they cannot get support from the rest of the world, they don't let that stop them... they realize that diplomacy is best achieved when it is backed by power.

The stories are inspiring. The Mossad spent years on some operations before they had success... but they never quit.

This book exposes the spread of terrorism... when one terrorist is taken out, it seems that more appear. It also shows the difficulty of engaging in operations like this when more and more countries have facial recognition software and closed circuit cameras on every street and sometimes in every hotel foyer and hallway. One operation was totally pieced together with a complete timeline from the arrival to departure of each Mossad operative; from hotels to restaurants to streets, rental cars and airports.

Some people might find this book depressing or discouraging, but it is not. It shows how people confront a difficult problem and overcome. There is no complaining or wondering why this terrorism and threat of war and desire to destroy them as a nation and as a people occur. They just have a strong faith that their nation and people are worth fighting for and they have a strong optimism that they will survive.

I found this book a difficult book to put down.


...more

3

Jan 23, 2016

3.5.

This book reads like a spy novel, but also not because instead of building up, it includes short stories that effectively describes the potency, lethality of Mossad; the secret service of Israel. It includes several high-profile missions and assassinations, some of which are pretty efficiently and effortlessly ordered and carried out.

The different branches of the organization and the changing 'ramsads'/heads of Mossad may prove to be confusing, does not in any way take from the nerve of 3.5.

This book reads like a spy novel, but also not because instead of building up, it includes short stories that effectively describes the potency, lethality of Mossad; the secret service of Israel. It includes several high-profile missions and assassinations, some of which are pretty efficiently and effortlessly ordered and carried out.

The different branches of the organization and the changing 'ramsads'/heads of Mossad may prove to be confusing, does not in any way take from the nerve of the service.
But, the way sentences were carried out to kill scientists, officers, members of the Arab countries and organizations, nonchalantly, not in the least caring about their families.

Still, the book explains the reasons why such assassinations were carried out. Many might disagree, 'an eye for an eye will leave the whole world blind' is not something Mossad believes in.

Other than that, the sincerity with which Mossad made sure to get its agents safely back if caught was applaudable. Also includes the Black September Case which has been adapted in the movie, 'Munich', do give that a watch!

If you are looking for a spy novel, do not pick this one up, because all the missions are real and while they may seem impossible, they are not. Pick it up to know more about how Mossad functions and to know the various deadly secret missions it undertook, since Israel's formation to the very recent ones. ...more

5

Feb 05, 2019

After reading this fantastic book by Michael Bar-Zohar, I am really enchanted and feel utmost respect for the Israelis and of course for Mossad
The book describes various prominent missions in form of separate Chapters, Mossad carried out under the support of Israeli Government.

Loved the way Michael has described almost all of the missions and the way they were carried out, right from planning to execution to completion.
The book gives out a lot of factual data and real names, the sources of After reading this fantastic book by Michael Bar-Zohar, I am really enchanted and feel utmost respect for the Israelis and of course for Mossad
The book describes various prominent missions in form of separate Chapters, Mossad carried out under the support of Israeli Government.

Loved the way Michael has described almost all of the missions and the way they were carried out, right from planning to execution to completion.
The book gives out a lot of factual data and real names, the sources of which are added in the end.

Stories of

- Elie Cohen
- The execution of Eichemann
- Khrushchev’s speech
- Israel's first MiG-21
- Bringing back Yossel

will live forever in the heart of the reader.

The reason I'd give this book a solid 5 star is primarily the simplicity with which the complex operations are described carefully filtering the sensitive information,
secondarily for making it as interesting as Fiction novel and finally for The Mossad !!

Absolutely thrilled! Most recommended if you have an inclination towards watching/reading Spy stories! ...more

4

Sep 19, 2017

I really enjoyed reading this book. By seeing the title one may include that book only deals with successful operations of missed. But this book also deals with several failures.
One chapter is amusing when failed operation meant that Mossad has to save the Life of the enemy whom they intend to kill.
Very neatly written and highly recommendEd to those who love spy and action books

3

Apr 19, 2017

Mossad - Bollywood style

I wrote a spy novel when I was in my teens. Growing up on Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne series and super technical Tom Clancy's books, I was very confident that I could write a bestseller with my made up knowledge about inner workings of the CIA. But my hero had to be Indian as I presumed the American spies to be devoid of emotions and drama (also my made up knowledge about American culture was not deep enough to make up a complete character). But I was fascinated by Mossad - Bollywood style

I wrote a spy novel when I was in my teens. Growing up on Robert Ludlum's Jason Bourne series and super technical Tom Clancy's books, I was very confident that I could write a bestseller with my made up knowledge about inner workings of the CIA. But my hero had to be Indian as I presumed the American spies to be devoid of emotions and drama (also my made up knowledge about American culture was not deep enough to make up a complete character). But I was fascinated by Mossad, especially after reading Honor Among Thieves by Archer in which he declares Mossad to be the best one in the world. So, my heroine was from Mossad. Did I know about Israeli culture enough to make up a complete character? Nope, but I was sure my readers (mostly my high school friends and cousins) did not even know what Israel was. So, I could make up anything about the country let alone the character.

I included some over dramatic emotional scenes typical of Indian movies. But the hero and the heroine did not sing songs and dance around trees. I thought I was way cooler than Bollywood directors to write stuff like that!!!

This book, Mossad by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal chronicles many adventures and failures of Mossad. I liked some parts of it but would have loved the book if the narrative was less textbookish.

To complete my story, I wrote the novel for about 3 summer months between high school and college. It never saw print... maybe because I never finished it (yeah! probably that was the only reason) ;-) ...more

2

Aug 17, 2016

I was a bit disappointed with this book. Generally, people who don't have much of a background of the whole Israel - Arab conflict would require some background before reading this book. The authors could have approached this book keeping in mind that a good share of readers would not be too familiar with Israel. The whole geo-political setting, history behind the antagonistic relationship that Israel shares with Iran, Syria, Lebanon etc could have been explained better. Maps would also have I was a bit disappointed with this book. Generally, people who don't have much of a background of the whole Israel - Arab conflict would require some background before reading this book. The authors could have approached this book keeping in mind that a good share of readers would not be too familiar with Israel. The whole geo-political setting, history behind the antagonistic relationship that Israel shares with Iran, Syria, Lebanon etc could have been explained better. Maps would also have helped in a better understanding of the various operations. ...more

4

Jan 31, 2017

This book was equal parts fascinating and horrifying. You can almost feel the thrill of operations being precisely planned and executed as if you were a participant yourself. However, the ease with which lives are taken, borders crossed and identities changed makes it all a little scary. On the whole though, a great read.