The first comprehensive and balanced account of the most controversial and well-known espionage organization in the world, taking readers through the complex web of politics and personal ambition that led to such disasters as the brutal violence on the West Bank. 8 pages of photographs.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The Israeli secret service's exalted reputation declined in 1973 with Mossad's failure to foresee the Yom Kippur War, setting off bitter and demoralizing feuds among the country's intelligence agencies, such as Shin Bet and Aman, and was further complicated by a succession of scandals in the 1980s that included the Jonathan Pollard and Mordechai Vananu arrests. Basing their work on interviews with former operatives and on declassified documents, CBS news correspondent Raviv and Israeli journalist Melman here produce a revealing critical history of the rise and decline of Israel's vaunted security and intelligence arm, from the idealistic pioneering days to the current disarray in the face of the Palestinian intifada and the shocking vulnerability of the intelligence community to material corruption. In today's Israel, claim the authors of this controversial book, "making money has become a Golden Calf, before which much of society--including its intelligence and military circles--kneels." Photos.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal
The amount of detail in this book certainly lends some credence to the book's subtitle, and the journalist authors have also uncovered some fascinating new information: Israel has a number of top secret agencies, including one devoted to protecting their nuclear program and another for rescuing Jews from unfriendly countries; nuclear weapons using submarine-based launch platforms are nearly a reality; and Israel has been spying on the United States for years. The authors work diligently in this book to convince the world of the high morality of the Israeli cause. Israeli intelligence has been a popular subject for fiction and nonfiction, but there has yet to be a definitive nonfiction account on the subject. This readable and entertaining book is recommended for larger Middle East collections. --David P. Snider, Casa Grande P.L., Ariz.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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More About the Author
Dan Raviv is a Washington-based correspondent for CBS News and host of the national radio magazine Weekend Roundup. New book in July 2012: SPIES AGAINST ARMAGEDDON: INSIDE ISRAEL'S SECRET WARS. Most of his books are co-authored with Yossi Melman, and Dan wrote COMIC WARS about the Marvel Comics bankruptcy and renaissance. An earlier book with Yossi, EVERY SPY A PRINCE, was a national best seller; and they have a book about U.S.-Israel relations, FRIENDS IN DEED. Now they are again writing about the history of Israeli espionage -- and how Israel intends to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The book is largely aimed at Kindle readers -- because if something big happens in the Middle East, the authors will update the e-book immediately. Again, the title: SPIES AGAINST ARMAGEDDON: INSIDE ISRAEL'S SECRET WARS.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
By Bob
Format:Unknown Binding
I read this book years ago, loaned it to somebody and didn't get it back. I bought another copy from a used books store and read it again. Whenever people ask me my favorite book of all time, this is the one I mention. I was blown away with how Israel was involved in everything going on in the world. I was impressed, intrigued, and yes - it was a book that I couldn't put down. I am lending this book to a coworker tomorrow, which is why only now am I rating it. If you couldn't tell, I LOVE this book.
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
The Israeli Intelligence Services are wreathed in a certain veil of secrecy. While all intelligence services can benefit from some legendary creating mystery, the David sensibility of Israel's services against numerous Goliaths is especially fascinating. This book delivers a great history of the Mossad in all its glory and decline. The 1973 Yom Kippur War was a massive failure for the agency, setting the two primary agencies of Domestic Intelligence, Shin Bet, against the Foreign Intelligence service, Aman. It is an enthralling and detailed history of its successes and failures, dovetailed with strong descriptions of operations and personalities. We also learn about their nuclear program, spying on America and their nuclear deterrent of diesel-electric subs equipped with nuclear tipped cruise missiles. I have had exchanges with Yossi Melman who is a forthright and conscientious journalist. This is a critical revelation that lifts the veil of mystery on Israel's intelligence service which also exposes critical weaknesses in terms of graft and corruption. A sad departure from its early days of pioneer spirit.
Michael Mandaville, Author - "Stealing Thunder"
Michael Mandaville, Author - "Stealing Thunder"
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
While this very well-written book focuses on Israel, it is also of interest to those wanting to learn more about the relationship between Western countries, and Africa, and Western Countries, and the Middle East generally. Far from being a cheerleader for the Israeli services, I found the authors quite critical, and sometimes disdainful of ill-conceived operations, or ex-officials who peddled their expertise.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By JUDAS TREES
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
What a great read.Love the mastery and mystery of the spy game.Fairly easy to understand. Support Israel..... support your favorite authors.
2 of 39 people found the following review helpful
By Betty Burks
Format:Hardcover
From its earliest days, the State of Israel had earned a reputation for success in the field of espionage and covert action. They declared their independence in May, 1948 commanded by Ben-Gurion. There was a major motion picture made about this creation and Pat Boone, a singer from Tennessee, composed and sang the title song.
This book names the key figures and dates from 1948-1998. After 1989, the names of the directors of the Mossad and directors of Shin Bet are forbidden by Israeli law to be disclosed.
The structure of Israeli Intelligence starts with The Cabinet (major authority) to the Prime MInister, Inspector-General on down to the commandos (sayeret). "The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Send men that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel." We also learn in the Bible that "the wages of sin are death."
Hussein ordered an invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on Augiust 2, 1990. This caused chaos everywhere. It was an instant reminder of a simple fact: "surprises cause crisis." They had to turn to the Israeli Intelligence for a way to challenge this transaction. It is good that the United States has a working relationship with Israel as many of our natives live and work there. One such was the daughter of Stanley and Fannye Cohen.
This book names the key figures and dates from 1948-1998. After 1989, the names of the directors of the Mossad and directors of Shin Bet are forbidden by Israeli law to be disclosed.
The structure of Israeli Intelligence starts with The Cabinet (major authority) to the Prime MInister, Inspector-General on down to the commandos (sayeret). "The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 'Send men that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel." We also learn in the Bible that "the wages of sin are death."
Hussein ordered an invasion of Kuwait by Iraq on Augiust 2, 1990. This caused chaos everywhere. It was an instant reminder of a simple fact: "surprises cause crisis." They had to turn to the Israeli Intelligence for a way to challenge this transaction. It is good that the United States has a working relationship with Israel as many of our natives live and work there. One such was the daughter of Stanley and Fannye Cohen.
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