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on June 24, 2010
This is a massive and comprehensive history that spans HaMossad, Aman, and Shin Bet as well as their various predecessors during the formation of the modern state of Israel. It borders on being encyclopedic in its coverage and detailed and precise in its historic descriptions--to the point that one cannot imagine reading it in a single sitting. A reference work more than a "read," for anyone with a serious interest in Israeli intelligence, it is a good companion to the more lively and readable but less authoratative Gideon's Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad. Both have been resources for thriller writers, such as Lior Samson (Bashert).
on August 18, 2007
This would be an ideal book if you are an American who needs a crash course in HUMINT and War in the Middle East. In much the same way that David Halberstam and Neil Sheehan were writing by-lines from the Mekong in 1963 urging American military leaders to learn from their French antecedents, I think American military and intelligence officer's would be well served by reviewing this book as a kind of lessons learned manual of the Israeli experience. The chapters which cover the efforts of the Israeli security forces to police the occupied areas, especially Lebanon, are the most relevant today.
Statecraft that became Israel, which made an outstanding intelligence service faced with hurdles and setbacks.
on August 29, 2012
This book was outstanding. It did take the reader a little longer to understand the figures of speech and notations that were used but it was well worth it. My own curiosity and not knowing that much about Israel enticed me to purchase the book.
Other interests of D&D brought this book to my attention. Some of the operations were previously known as noted from other readings. I was surprised on some of the details within other events as the Mossad came into action, the reader is lead along a backdrop of intentions and motivations to conceal their true actions. Tradecraft was discussed and mentioned as improvements were made. This brought mix flag recruiting to the light. HUMINT operations and the ability of knowing cultures and languages to identify foes was outstanding.
I did not know exactly how the state came into being, and from the book it left mixed emotions. But the contents were great and the author did an excellent job of showing the issues that not only made the intelligence organization what it is presently. It also showed the progression of the people and nationality throughout the years that some paid the ultimate price for.
Other interests of D&D brought this book to my attention. Some of the operations were previously known as noted from other readings. I was surprised on some of the details within other events as the Mossad came into action, the reader is lead along a backdrop of intentions and motivations to conceal their true actions. Tradecraft was discussed and mentioned as improvements were made. This brought mix flag recruiting to the light. HUMINT operations and the ability of knowing cultures and languages to identify foes was outstanding.
I did not know exactly how the state came into being, and from the book it left mixed emotions. But the contents were great and the author did an excellent job of showing the issues that not only made the intelligence organization what it is presently. It also showed the progression of the people and nationality throughout the years that some paid the ultimate price for.
on July 13, 2012
I started reading this book on a slow day at work and had it finished by the next day.I have read a number of books about Israels military and intelligence services and i liked this one especially because it starts from before the war for independence and shows many differents events that led to the creation of the Mossad,Shin Bet, and Amman intelligence agencies.This is a very detailed account of missions that were carried out for the state of Israel and before the creation of Israel and gives detailed information on the infighting between the different inteligence agencies that led to the seperation of duties between the different branches.If your interested in Israels notorious intelligence community this is a must read.
on April 12, 2012
I have been reading a GREAT deal about spy/intelligence work for many years, and especially the last two or three years.
I am a retired police officer. I worked in the S.F. Bay Area in the 60's and 70's, when we had so many riots. I heard, back then, that the FBI had discovered that the Communist were behind, and supporting much of the unrest, and the riots of the 60's. That is when I really began to study and research these works. I actually lived in Europe for seven years and worked behind the Iron Curtain for three years.
Nothing much has changed since the 60's, THEY, the Communists and the Russians are still in the BUSINESS! And they are also behind much of the Terrorist movements around the world, and especially in the Middle East and against America. Any one who BELIEVES that Russia and Communism is dead, are ASLEEP. See the case of 'Robert Hanssen', that the movie 'Breach' was made about: an FBI agent turned traitor, one of the worst, who was caught spying for Russia in 2001. That's "2001", 12 years supposedly after the FALL of Communism in Russia! The Russians were STILL spying on the U.S. They NEVER went out of THE Business, and have only USED the idea that Communism is dead to go further UNDERGROUND.
My interest in this topic was restored a few years ago when Steven Spielberg came out with his movie 'Munich', which was based on the book "Vengeance" (also recommended reading).
I am currently reading 'Israel's Secret Wars', which is a HUGE book, over 600 pages. It can be a bit dry at times and there are so MANY different people and places it is hard to follow sometimes, BUT no matter I find it fascinating. I would give it FIVE STARS as a source book but only four stars for readability. But include a warning: BE PREPARED to spend TIME with the book. It is well documented and should be a book used as THE Reference book for Israel and all of her intelligence services, not just the Mossad.
I am a retired police officer. I worked in the S.F. Bay Area in the 60's and 70's, when we had so many riots. I heard, back then, that the FBI had discovered that the Communist were behind, and supporting much of the unrest, and the riots of the 60's. That is when I really began to study and research these works. I actually lived in Europe for seven years and worked behind the Iron Curtain for three years.
Nothing much has changed since the 60's, THEY, the Communists and the Russians are still in the BUSINESS! And they are also behind much of the Terrorist movements around the world, and especially in the Middle East and against America. Any one who BELIEVES that Russia and Communism is dead, are ASLEEP. See the case of 'Robert Hanssen', that the movie 'Breach' was made about: an FBI agent turned traitor, one of the worst, who was caught spying for Russia in 2001. That's "2001", 12 years supposedly after the FALL of Communism in Russia! The Russians were STILL spying on the U.S. They NEVER went out of THE Business, and have only USED the idea that Communism is dead to go further UNDERGROUND.
My interest in this topic was restored a few years ago when Steven Spielberg came out with his movie 'Munich', which was based on the book "Vengeance" (also recommended reading).
I am currently reading 'Israel's Secret Wars', which is a HUGE book, over 600 pages. It can be a bit dry at times and there are so MANY different people and places it is hard to follow sometimes, BUT no matter I find it fascinating. I would give it FIVE STARS as a source book but only four stars for readability. But include a warning: BE PREPARED to spend TIME with the book. It is well documented and should be a book used as THE Reference book for Israel and all of her intelligence services, not just the Mossad.
on December 27, 2012
Excellent Quality, Timely Receipt, Excellent Price. Will definitely use again and recommend to associates.
Dr. John N. Parrigin, CPP, CFE
Dr. John N. Parrigin, CPP, CFE
on March 29, 2015
Nice book! There are too many names, bringing some confusion for understanding. But, still a good reading, indeed!
