Television Reviews:

DECEMBER 2023:

Genre: Drama, and Espionage thriller, Created by Gideon Raff, Based on "L'espion qui venait d'Israël" by Uri Dan Yeshayahu Ben Porat, Directed by Gideon Raff, Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Noah Emmerich, with Music by Guillaume Roussel, Original language: English, No. of episodes: 6, Executive producers: Gideon Raff, and Sacha Baron Cohen, Producer: Alain Goldman, Running time: 47–62 minutes, Production companies: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix, Original Network: OCS (France), and Netflix (international) (2019)
The Spy (2019)

Unveiling the Intrigues of Espionage…

L’espion qui venait d’Israël, translated as The Spy Who Came from Israel, is a captivating and revealing account written by Uri Dan and Yeshayahu Ben Porat. Originally published in Hebrew in 1969, the book offers an in-depth exploration of one of the most daring espionage missions in history—the infiltration of the Syrian government by Israeli spy Eli Cohen. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Dan and Ben Porat provide readers with a fascinating glimpse into the world of espionage and the complexities of Middle Eastern politics during the 1960s.

Le Mossad est considéré aujourd’hui comme l’un des meilleurs services secrets du monde. L’histoire d’Elie Cohen, espion d’exception qui infiltra Damas pendant la guerre de Six jours, demeure l’un des événements fondateurs de sa légende. En juin 1967, la défaite que l'armée israélienne inflige, en un temps record, à trois armées arabes prouve au monde entier l'efficacité des services de renseignements de l’État d'Israël. Derrière cette victoire éclair se cachent l’audace et l’intelligence hors-normes d’un seul homme : l’agent Elie Cohen, alias Kamal Amin Taabes, qui a fourni des renseignements décisifs au Mossad. De son service militaire à sa formation d’agent secret, de la création de sa couverture à son implantation en Syrie, jusqu’à sa traque sans merci et sa pendaison sur la place publique de Damas en 1965, ce livre retrace le parcours extraordinaire d’un espion qui a, trois ans durant, infiltré les plus hautes sphères du pouvoir politique et militaire syrien.
In 1961, Eli Cohen, son of Syrian Jews, was commissioned by the Mossad to infiltrate the highest echelons of Syrian Society. Photo Credit: Aish.com
Cohen moved to Damascus, and eventually became a close confident of future Syrian president Amin Al-Hafiz. Photo Credit: Aish
Alexander Siddig in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix
Alexander Siddig and Waleed Zuaiter in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix

Plot and Narrative:

The central narrative of The Spy Who Came from Israel revolves around the remarkable life and mission of Eli Cohen, Israel’s top Mossad agent. From his recruitment by Mossad to his infiltration of the highest echelons of Syrian society under the guise of a wealthy businessman, as Kamel Amin Thaabet. Cohen‘s journey is fraught with danger, intrigue, and moral dilemmas. Through a combination of espionage, charisma, and sheer audacity, Cohen succeeds in gaining the trust of key Syrian officials and obtaining invaluable intelligence for Israel.

Eliyahu Ben-Shaul Cohen (Hebrew: אֱלִיָּהוּ בֵּן שָׁאוּל כֹּהֵן‎, Arabic: إيلياهو بن شاؤول كوهين‎; 6 December 1924 – 18 May 1965) was an Israeli spy. He is best known for his espionage work in Syria between 1961 and 1965, where he developed close relationships with the Syrian political and military hierarchy. Though he was initially successful, his activity became increasingly risky and he expressed a sense of impending danger to Mossad in 1964. A year later, Cohen's true allegiance was uncovered by Syrian intelligence and he was convicted by the Syrian government under pre-war martial law. After being sentenced to death, he was publicly hanged in Damascus in May 1965. The incident contributed to the sharp escalation of hostilities between Israel and Syria just before the 1967 Arab–Israeli War.
Sacha Baron Cohen as Eli Cohen / Kamel Amin Thaabet in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix
Sacha Baron Cohen as Eli Cohen / Kamel Amin Thaabet in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix
Saïd Amadis, Sacha Baron Cohen, Waleed Zuaiter, and Reymonde Amsallem in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix
Sacha Baron Cohen, and Nassim Lyes in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix

What sets The Spy Who Came from Israel apart is its richly detailed narrative, which draws readers into the heart of Cohen’s mission and immerses them in the complex web of deceit and betrayal that characterizes the world of espionage. Through vivid descriptions and compelling storytelling, Dan and Ben Porat bring to life the high-stakes game of cat and mouse between Cohen and his adversaries, as well as the personal sacrifices he makes in service of his country.

Sacha Baron Cohen in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix

Characterization and Insight:

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its characterization of Eli Cohen and the individuals who played a pivotal role in his mission. Cohen emerges as a complex and multifaceted figure, driven by a deep sense of patriotism and duty to Israel. Through interviews with Cohen‘s colleagues and associates, as well as excerpts from his own writings, Dan and Ben Porat provide readers with valuable insight into Cohen‘s personality, motivations, and inner struggles.

Noah Emmerich, Moni Moshonov, and Yael Eitan in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix
Yael Eitan in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix
Noah Emmerich, and Sacha Baron Cohen in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix
Hadar Ratzon-Rotem, and Sacha Baron Cohen in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix

Moreover, The Spy Who Came from Israel offers fascinating portraits of the various individuals who crossed paths with Cohen during his mission, from Mossad handlers to Syrian officials. Each character is brought to life with depth and nuance, allowing readers to understand the intricate dynamics at play in the world of espionage. Whether it’s Cohen’s Mossad handler, who grapples with the ethical implications of his actions, or the Syrian officials who unwittingly fall under Cohen‘s spell, every character adds depth and complexity to the narrative.

Cohen moved to Damascus, and eventually became a close confident of future Syrian president Amin Al-Hafiz. Photo Credit: Aish
Cohen hosted lavish parties as a way to pry secrets from drunk government and military officials. Photo Credit: Aish
Cohen fed vital information to Israel, which was essential to Israel's victory against Syria in the six day war. Photo Credit: Aish
In 1965, Cohen's radio transmissions were detected, and Syrian security services raided his home, and caught him sending a message to Israel. Photo Credit: Aish
Cohen was given a show trial, tortured, and publicly hanged in Damascus in 1965. Photo Credit: Aish

Historical Context and Accuracy:

Beyond its compelling narrative and well-drawn characters, The Spy Who Came from Israel also provides valuable historical context for Cohen’s mission and its significance in the broader context of Middle Eastern politics. Dan and Ben Porat meticulously reconstruct the geopolitical landscape of the 1960s, highlighting the tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors and the strategic importance of Syria in the region.

Sacha Baron Cohen and Mohcine Nadifi in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix

Moreover, the book offers insights into the historical events and personalities that shaped Cohen’s mission, from the rise of the Ba’ath Party in Syria to the broader Arab-Israeli conflict. While The Spy Who Came from Israel is a work of non-fiction, it reads like a gripping spy thriller, with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. Despite its factual basis, the book never feels dry or academic, thanks to the authors’ engaging prose and keen eye for storytelling.

The Six-Day War (Hebrew: מִלְחֶמֶת שֵׁשֶׁת הַיָּמִים, Milḥemet Šešet HaYamim; Arabic: النكسة, an-Naksah, lit. 'The Setback' or حرب 1967, Ḥarb 1967, 'War of 1967') or June War, also known as the 1967 Arab–Israeli War or Third Arab–Israeli War, was fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states (primarily Egypt, Syria, and Jordan) from 5 to 10 June 1967.

Themes and Analysis:

At its core, The Spy Who Came from Israel is a profound exploration of themes such as loyalty, deception, and the moral ambiguity of espionage. Through Cohen‘s story, Dan and Ben Porat raise thought-provoking questions about the nature of patriotism and the lengths to which individuals are willing to go in service of their country. Cohen’s mission forces readers to confront the ethical dilemmas inherent in espionage, as well as the personal costs of living a double life.

Le Mossad est considéré aujourd’hui comme l’un des meilleurs services secrets du monde. L’histoire d’Elie Cohen, espion d’exception qui infiltra Damas pendant la guerre de Six jours, demeure l’un des événements fondateurs de sa légende. En juin 1967, la défaite que l'armée israélienne inflige, en un temps record, à trois armées arabes prouve au monde entier l'efficacité des services de renseignements de l’État d'Israël. Derrière cette victoire éclair se cachent l’audace et l’intelligence hors-normes d’un seul homme : l’agent Elie Cohen, alias Kamal Amin Taabes, qui a fourni des renseignements décisifs au Mossad. De son service militaire à sa formation d’agent secret, de la création de sa couverture à son implantation en Syrie, jusqu’à sa traque sans merci et sa pendaison sur la place publique de Damas en 1965, ce livre retrace le parcours extraordinaire d’un espion qui a, trois ans durant, infiltré les plus hautes sphères du pouvoir politique et militaire syrien.

Moreover, The Spy Who Came from Israel offers valuable insights into the psychology of espionage and the motivations that drive individuals to undertake such dangerous and secretive missions. Through interviews with former intelligence officers and psychological analysis, Dan and Ben Porat shed light on the mindset of spies like Cohen, who must navigate a treacherous landscape of deceit and betrayal while maintaining their cover and fulfilling their mission objectives.

Sacha Baron Cohen in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix

Critical Reception and Legacy:

Since its publication in 1969, The Spy Who Came from Israel has earned widespread acclaim from readers and critics alike, cementing its status as a seminal work of espionage literature. Praised for its meticulous research, compelling narrative, and insightful analysis, the book has become essential reading for anyone interested in the history of Israeli intelligence or the broader dynamics of the Middle East.

Le Mossad est considéré aujourd’hui comme l’un des meilleurs services secrets du monde. L’histoire d’Elie Cohen, espion d’exception qui infiltra Damas pendant la guerre de Six jours, demeure l’un des événements fondateurs de sa légende. En juin 1967, la défaite que l'armée israélienne inflige, en un temps record, à trois armées arabes prouve au monde entier l'efficacité des services de renseignements de l’État d'Israël. Derrière cette victoire éclair se cachent l’audace et l’intelligence hors-normes d’un seul homme : l’agent Elie Cohen, alias Kamal Amin Taabes, qui a fourni des renseignements décisifs au Mossad. De son service militaire à sa formation d’agent secret, de la création de sa couverture à son implantation en Syrie, jusqu’à sa traque sans merci et sa pendaison sur la place publique de Damas en 1965, ce livre retrace le parcours extraordinaire d’un espion qui a, trois ans durant, infiltré les plus hautes sphères du pouvoir politique et militaire syrien.

Moreover, The Spy Who Came from Israel has left a lasting legacy in popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in film, television, and literature. From documentaries to fictionalized accounts, Cohen’s story continues to captivate audiences around the world, serving as a testament to the enduring fascination with espionage and the human drama that lies at its heart.

Sacha Baron Cohen in "The Spy" (2019) Photo Credit: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix

The Spy Who Came from Israel is a masterfully crafted account of one of the most audacious espionage missions in history. Through its richly detailed narrative, compelling characters, and insightful analysis, Uri Dan and Yeshayahu Ben Porat offer readers a captivating glimpse into the shadowy world of intelligence operations and the personal sacrifices made in service of national security. Whether you’re a history buff, a spy thriller enthusiast, or simply a curious reader, The Spy Who Came from Israel is sure to captivate and intrigue from start to finish.

Genre: Drama, and Espionage thriller, Created by Gideon Raff, Based on "L'espion qui venait d'Israël" by Uri Dan Yeshayahu Ben Porat, Directed by Gideon Raff, Starring: Sacha Baron Cohen, Noah Emmerich, with Music by Guillaume Roussel, Original language: English, No. of episodes: 6, Executive producers: Gideon Raff, and Sacha Baron Cohen, Producer: Alain Goldman, Running time: 47–62 minutes, Production companies: Legende Films, Canal+, and Netflix, Original Network: OCS (France), and Netflix (international) (2019)

The Spy is available now on Netflix…

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