ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES - Volume 6 Issue 1, Apr-May 2025

Pages: 166-170

Date of Publication: 31-May-2025

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Book Review: Mossad The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal

Author: Manorama Kuntal

Category: Security Studies

Abstract:

Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service authored by Michael Bar-Zohar Nissim Mishal is a captivating book originally published in the year 2014 but holds its relevance even in 2025. The book focuses on the themes of covert warfare, terrorism, cyber intelligence, and geopolitical espionage which continue to shape global security even today. The book presents a compelling account of Israel’s intelligence agency, detailing some of its most daring operations in a global security and intelligence context, showing how espionage, counterterrorism, and clandestine operations shape international relations.

Keywords: Strategic studies, International security, Intelligence, Mossad

DOI: 10.47362/EJSSS.2025.6110

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.47362/EJSSS.2025.6110

Full Text:

Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli secret Service

Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal,

2016,

Jaico Publishing House,

400 pages,

399 INR

ISBN:978-81-8495-845-4

Reviewer: Manorama Kuntal is a PhD Scholar, Senior Research Fellow (SRF) in the Department of Political Science at Jamia Millia Islamia University, New Delhi.

Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service authored by Michael Bar-Zohar Nissim Mishal is a captivating book originally published in the year 2014 but holds its relevance even in 2025. The book focuses on the themes of covert warfare, terrorism, cyber intelligence, and geopolitical espionage which continue to shape global security even today. The book presents a compelling account of Israel’s intelligence agency, detailing some of its most daring operations in a global security and intelligence context, showing how espionage, counterterrorism, and clandestine operations shape international relations. Given the current scenario of increasing global security challenges, intelligence warfare and geopolitical conflicts, the importance of such a book has grown multifold over the years. Relevance of many themes and strategies discussed in the book are highly applicable to today’s world, especially in areas such as counterterrorism, cyber warfare, and Middle Eastern geopolitics. The book provides insights into Israel-Iran tensions and Mossad’s cyber operations targeted towards Iranian scientists and military personnels which are carried even today on similar patterns as discussed in the book. Moreover, Mossad's expanding presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America shows how Mossad’s operations have had a far-reaching impact beyond Israel, influencing security policies and intelligence strategies worldwide. The book sheds light on how Mossad has shaped Israel’s geopolitical alliances, influencing relations with global powers like the United States, European nations, and Middle Eastern countries. As the modern espionage is advancing towards cyber warfare and AI driven surveillance , Mossad’s evolution from traditional spy tactics to technological intelligence gathering presents a case study for intelligence agencies worldwide. Additionally the book gives insights into Mossad’s role in intelligence sharing and covert diplomacy which continues to shape Israel’s relations with Arab states, Russia, China and Iran, and consequently influencing major geopolitical shifts. As the world is grappling with the emerging threats and evolving intelligence strategies, this books serves as a guide for understanding modern intelligence operations and how intelligence agencies can adapt to new challenges, including counter intelligence, arms control and financial surveillance of terrorist networks. It showcases Mossad’s collaboration with and rivalry against major intelligence agencies like the CIA, MI6, KGB, and ISI, positioning Israeli operations within the broader landscape of international espionage. Mossad’s strategies have influenced intelligence agencies worldwide, including the CIA, MI6, and RAW, particularly in counterterrorism, hostage rescues, and cyber warfare. Operations such as Operation Wrath of God and the assassination of nuclear scientists have set precedents in international intelligence work. From assassinating enemies of the Israeli state to rescuing hostages and neutralizing nuclear threats, the book highlights Mossad’s role in global intelligence warfare. Missions such as the capture of Adolf Eichmann, the destruction of Iraq’s nuclear reactor, and counterterrorism operations against Middle Eastern threats reflect how intelligence agencies function as key players in global geopolitics. It would be a grave mistake to just consider this book as a spy novel as it more than just a collection of spy stories rather it is a window into the evolving world of intelligence and global security, therefore its international significance cannot be overlooked. In today’s world, where terrorism, cyber warfare, and nuclear threats are escalating , Mossad’s tactics and strategies remain highly relevant, offering key lessons for nations facing modern security challenges. Given the scenario of ongoing disturbances in the Middle East region and rising tensions between Israel and Iran, Mossad’s past operations provide critical context for understanding ongoing geopolitical conflicts. Additionally, with intelligence agencies playing a more active role in cybersecurity, economic espionage, and artificial intelligence-driven warfare, the book serves as an important case study for adapting to 21st-century threats.

The book written by historian Michael Bar-Zohar and journalist Nissim Mishal is divided into 21 chapters, focusing on Mossad a secret intelligence agency of Israel, and its covert operations since its inception. The book gives an insightful and captivating account of most daring and complex missions and operations undertaken by Mossad over the years. The book can be read as a collection of real-life espionage narratives which have shaped Israeli security and influenced global intelligence operations. These stories include the capture of Adolf Eichmann (1960) in Argentina, the assassination of key figures behind attacks on Israel operation wrath of God(1970s-1980s), The raid on Entebbe (1976), The Elimination of Nuclear Threats by Operations to disrupt nuclear programs in hostile states e.g. Iran and assassination of key scientists and intelligence gathering and Modern Cyber and Intelligence Warfare. Chapters discuss Mossad’s role in countering cyber threats, disrupting Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and adapting to 21st-century challenges. This book is a perfect blend of historical context and factual basis with thrilling espionage narratives, highlighting Mossad’s strategic importance in both Israel’s national security and global intelligence operations. This book also explores the ethical dilemmas and strategic justifications behind covert operations, highlighting the global debate on the balance between security and morality in intelligence work. This book becomes a crucial resource for understanding the dynamic interplay between espionage, geopolitics and national survival in this volatile world.

Mossad: The Greatest Missions of the Israeli Secret Service is juicy read for someone who is looking for a spy thriller grounded in a historical context and factual basis. One of the key strengths of this book is its accessibility even to layman who is new to intelligence studies. It progresses like a storytelling making it more comprehensive to a general reader and removing the barrier for someone who want to enter into the intelligence world. This book gives unique insights into the working of the Mossad’s operations while showcasing its tactics, strategies, and high-risk missions. It also highlights the role of espionage in shaping global politics, making it relevant for international affairs discussions. Additionally, the book explores the evolution of modern intelligence warfare, illustrating how Mossad has adapted to changing threats from Nazi-hunting to counterterrorism and cyber warfare. It also highlights the intelligence community’s role in nuclear non-proliferation, particularly in Iraq and Iran, which remains a critical global issue even today. Moreover, one of the core strengths of this book is its relevance in today’s global security and counterterrorism as it connects Mossad’s missions to broader security challenges, demonstrating the intricate interplay between intelligence, diplomacy, and military action

Although this books gives a feeling of a thriller by delving into the fascinating accounts of Mossad’s covert operations, however, questions can be raised in terms of objectivity, depth and historical context of the book which limits its analytical depth. The book primarily focuses on Mossad’s perspective and gives pro-Israel stance, often portraying the intelligence agency as an infallible force while downplaying ethical concerns or intelligence failures. The other concern is related to lack of objectivity and critical analysis due to lack of alternative perspectives or critiques from historians, international analysts, or affected parties highlights the limitation of the book. As far as the historical context is concerned, the book presents missions as heroic tales without critically examining the political consequences or diplomatic fallout of Mossad’s actions. The book also does not critically analyse the broader Middle Eastern conflicts, Israel’s relations with neighbouring countries, or the long-term impact of Mossad’s operations. Some operations are oversimplified, leaving out geopolitical intricacies and intelligence failures. This books falls short of what is presented in other books by different authors namely: like Ronen Bergman’s Rise and Kill First or Gordon Thomas’ Gideon's Spies. As compared to Mossad, these books rather provide a deep and rich insights, not limiting their narrative to pro-Israeli stand.

Another major limitation is the absence of Mossad’s failures and controversies as the book does not fully explore intelligence failures, such as the botched 1997 assassination attempt on Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal, nor does it engage in a deeper discussion of ethical dilemmas, including targeted assassinations, civilian casualties, and legal implications. By omitting these aspects, the book presents a one-sided and glorified view of Mossad, rather than a balanced, critical assessment of its successes and failures.

While there are numerous books on intelligence agencies such as the CIA, MI6, and KGB, however, detailed accounts of Mossad’s covert missions have been relatively limited, which are often fragmented across various sources or classified for decades. Therefore, this book T fills a significant gap in the literature on intelligence operations, Israeli security policy, and global espionage and brings together some of the most dramatic Mossad operations in a single volume, offering a coherent narrative of its evolution, tactics, and global impact. By giving detailed account of Mossad’s role in counterterrorism, nuclear non-proliferation, and hostage rescues, the book also contributes to the broader literature on modern intelligence warfare and counterterrorism strategies. Moreover, while most intelligence studies focus on Western intelligence agencies, this book highlights a non-Western intelligence service that has played a crucial role in shaping global security. Mossad’s methods—ranging from targeted assassinations to cyber operations—have influenced intelligence practices worldwide. The book provides insights into how a small but highly efficient intelligence agency operates on the global stage, making it a valuable addition to literature on asymmetrical warfare and intelligence-led national security strategies.

Therefore , Mossad is not just a book about espionage; it is a case study in how intelligence agencies shape global politics. This book caters to diverse pool of readers like students and scholars of International Relations, particularly in areas like security studies, counterterrorism, and Middle Eastern geopolitics. And it also remains a crucial resource for security analysts, policymakers, military strategists, and anyone interested in espionage and counterterrorism, making it both an informative and compelling read. While not without its biases, whether for academic study, professional insights, or entertainment, the book remains an engaging and informative resource on one of the world’s most secretive intelligence agencies.