Mossad uncovers 2,500 secret files on executed spy Eli Cohen

In May 2025, the Israeli intelligence agency, Mossad, successfully conducted a special operation in Syria, where they recovered a substantial collection of documents concerning Eli Cohen, a notable Israeli spy who was executed in Syria in 1965. These documents, amounting to 2,500 files, were held in a highly secure location. The operation came after the collapse of the Assad regime, which allowed Mossad to proceed with the retrieval. Among the documents collected were Cohen's original forged passports, messages and assignments from Mossad, and evidence of Syrian surveillance on him during his time in the country. Eli Cohen, who was born in Egypt and spoke Arabic fluently, was recruited by the Mossad to infiltrate the highest echelons of the Syrian government. He initially established his cover in Argentina as a Syrian businessman in exile before returning to Syria, where he gained acceptance within the Syrian community. Cohen's skills allowed him to host elaborate gatherings, drawing military and civilian officials who inadvertently shared critical information about Syria's military operations and strategies. Despite his success in espionage, Cohen was eventually discovered by Syrian counterintelligence, leading to his execution. His legacy as a spy is significant in Israel, where he is considered a national hero. The recovery of the hidden files, which include recordings and his will, is expected to shed light on many unanswered questions regarding his methods and operations, as well as the nature of his relationships with high-ranking officials. This retrieval of documents is timely, coinciding with the approaching 60th anniversary of Cohen’s execution. Historians plan to study the documents thoroughly, providing insights that were previously inaccessible to the public. The anticipation surrounding these findings underscores the importance of Eli Cohen's espionage efforts and their impact on Israeli history and security.