Legendary Israeli spy Eli Cohen's remains could finally return to Israel from Syria
Photo: Israel to get the remains of Eli Cohen and three Israeli soldiers from Syria (Getty Images)
The remains of legendary Israeli intelligence operative Eli Cohen, who was captured and executed in Syria in 1965, could soon be returned to Israel, Haaretz reports.
Since Cohen's public execution in Damascus' central square on May 18, 1965, Mossad has been working to locate his remains and bring them back for burial in Israel.
In April, it was reported that the United Arab Emirates had established an informal channel for talks between Israel and Syria to build trust between the two sides. During these negotiations, Syria agreed to a series of measures, including the return of Cohen's remains.
Photo: Israeli spy Eli Cohen (uk.wikipedia.org)
In addition, the bodies of three Israeli soldiers who died fighting Syrian forces in Lebanon in the early 1980s will also be returned. It is noted that the body of one of these soldiers, Zvi Feldman, has already been returned.
In May, the Syrian leadership approved transferring Cohen's personal effects to ease hostility toward Israel and demonstrate goodwill to US President Donald Trump.
In September, US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack said that Syria and Israel were close to reaching an agreement, which would mark the first step toward "de-escalation" in security talks.
What is known about Eli Cohen
Eli Cohen was born in 1924 in Egypt. He emigrated to Israel in 1957 and was recruited by the State Intelligence in 1960. He was sent to Syria as part of a Mossad operation under the cover of an Argentine businessman to infiltrate the Damascus government apparatus.
"During his service, Cohen has provided his Israeli case officers with more than 100 telegrams containing information critical to Israel's security," according to his memorial page.
The telegrams included diplomatic and military intelligence, including details about Syrian military bases, appointments, and internal relations within the Ba'ath Party.
Cohen communicated with Mossad using a special radio receiver. Transmission usually lasted two minutes, but his signals often ran for 7–9 minutes. In 1965, Syria’s new intelligence leadership attempted to identify the spy by imposing radio silence during certain hours. Cohen was unaware of this, which led to his exposure.
Syrian forces arrested Cohen, tortured him, and eventually accused him of espionage. On May 18, 1965, he was hanged in Marjeh Square in Damascus.
In 2019, a French dramatic miniseries titled The Spy was made about Eli Cohen's life. Cohen was portrayed by Sacha Baron Cohen.
The US recently lifted sanctions imposed on Syria under the Caesar Act, opening the way for Syria to restore economic and diplomatic ties after years of isolation.
