Syrian Spy Master Reveals Details of Eli Cohen's Capture and Execution

A retired Syrian counterintelligence officer, Saied Jaouish, has shared previously unknown details about the operation that led to the capture and execution of Israeli spy Eli Cohen in 1965. In an interview with Al-Majalla magazine, Jaouish, who speaks Hebrew and was a leader in the operation, revealed that initial transmissions from Cohen, who had infiltrated the Syrian regime's upper echelons, were intercepted as early as 1962. However, it took until 1965 to pinpoint the source of the broadcasts.

Jaouish discovered the transmitter in Cohen's apartment during a search. He spent six days with Cohen, who did not attempt to escape and claimed to use Dumas' "The Three Musketeers" as a cipher key. Cohen initially insisted he was a Syrian Arab but, under duress, confessed to being Israeli and revealed his real name. Jaouish stated he opposed the death sentence, believing Cohen would be more valuable as a prisoner, but his view was disregarded. He suspects a living Cohen posed a threat to certain Syrian leadership figures.

Jaouish recounted that Cohen remained convinced until his death that Israel would rescue him. The Syrian side anticipated Israel's efforts to recover the spy's remains, leading to a decision to bury the body on the grounds of an elite military base to avoid drawing attention. Jaouish does not know the specific unit but believes Cohen's remains are still buried there today.