Customer Reviews

Every Spy a Prince: The Complete History of Israel's Intelligence Community

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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"

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.

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.