Israel has renewed efforts to recover the remains of Eli Cohen, the legendary Mossad spy who was publicly hanged in Syria in 1965. Recent reports suggest that the collapse of the Assad regime in parts of Syria has opened new avenues for negotiations, with Mossad Director David Barnea reportedly spearheading discussions.
Eli Cohen, born in 1924 in Alexandria, Egypt, was recruited by Mossad in the early 1960s after serving in Israeli military intelligence. Fluent in Arabic, Spanish, and French, he adopted the identity of Kamel Amin Thaabet, a Syrian businessman from Argentina.
Cohen’s mission began in 1962 when he relocated to Damascus. Known for hosting extravagant parties attended by influential Syrian politicians and military leaders, Cohen extracted critical intelligence. His detailed reports on Syrian fortifications in the Golan Heights significantly contributed to Israel's success in the Six-Day War of 1967.
However, his espionage came to an abrupt halt in 1965 when Syrian intelligence, aided by Soviet operatives, intercepted his radio transmissions. Cohen was arrested on January 24, 1965, tried, and publicly executed in Damascus' Marjeh Square on May 18, 1965, despite international pleas for clemency.
Since Cohen's execution, the location of his burial site has remained undisclosed. Syrian authorities reportedly moved his body multiple times to prevent its recovery. Over the years, Israel has made several offers, including prisoner exchanges, to retrieve Cohen’s remains, all of which were rejected.
In 2018, Mossad retrieved Cohen’s wristwatch from Syria, marking a symbolic victory in the ongoing effort to honor his legacy.
New Negotiations Underway
With the Assad regime losing control in parts of Syria, opportunities for dialogue have emerged. Sources indicate that Israeli officials are engaged in talks with former members of the Assad government, facilitated by Russian mediators. These discussions aim to secure the repatriation of Cohen’s remains.
