DESCRIPTION (FROM AMAZON): In the secret world of spies and covert operations, no other intelligence service continues to be as surrounded by myth and mystery as the Mossad. Gordon Thomas reveals that all too often the truth exceeds all the fantasies about the Mossad. Revised and updated for 2015, this new edition includes:
– Mossad’s secret meeting in 2013 with Saudi Arabia’s intelligence chief to plan for Israel to use Saudi to attack Iran should the Geneva discussion fail to be honored by Iran.
– The attack on Iraq’s nuclear reactor that will be the flight path to an attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
– Mossad’s new cyber-war unit preparing to launch its own pre-emptive strike.
– Why Mossad’s former director, Meir Dagan, has spoken out against an attack on Iran.
– Mossad agents who operate in the “Dark Side” of the internet to track terrorists.
– Mossad’s drone and its first killing.
– Mossad’s role in the defense of Israel’s Embassy in Cairo during the Arab Spring.
– An introduction to Mossad’s new director, Tamir Pardo.
These and other stunning details combine to give Gideon’s Spies the sense of urgency and relevance that is characteristic of truly engrossing nonfiction.
History of the Mossad
“Gideon’s Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad” by Gordon Thomas is an extensive and captivating exploration of Israel’s secretive intelligence agency, the Mossad. In this well-researched narrative, Thomas unravels the covert operations, espionage activities, and significant influence of the Mossad on Israeli history and global geopolitics.
The story begins with the founding of the Mossad in 1951 under Isser Harel’s leadership. It guides the readers through the agency’s early years. The Mossad is recognized as one of the world’s leading intelligence organizations. The Mossad has played a crucial role in safeguarding Israel’s security from the beginning.
Thomas delves into the complex and varied missions of the Mossad. It includes intelligence gathering to high-stakes covert operations. The narrative exposes the agency’s involvement in historical events. The book details its contributions to Israeli defense. It includes the efforts to protect the nation from external threats. Providing an insider’s perspective, Thomas draws on interviews, declassified documents, and firsthand accounts to present a nuanced view of the Mossad’s operational methods.
A recurring theme in “Gideon’s Spies” is the Mossad’s unwavering pursuit of justice, particularly after the Holocaust. The agency’s commitment to preventing another genocide and ensuring the survival of the Jewish state is evident throughout the narrative. Thomas highlights instances where the Mossad embarked on audacious missions to apprehend individuals responsible for heinous crimes against humanity.
The book also explores the Mossad’s role in counterterrorism, both regionally and globally. Thomas outlines the agency’s efforts to thwart terrorist plots and dismantle networks threatening Israel’s security. The Mossad’s proactive stance against terrorism is exemplified through various covert operations, recounted with gripping detail.
“Gideon’s Spies” provides a comprehensive look at the Mossad’s collaborations with other intelligence agencies worldwide. Thomas sheds light on the intricate alliances and cooperative efforts shaping the Mossad’s operations, emphasizing the agency’s ability to navigate the complex terrain of international intelligence.
Beyond the tactical and strategic aspects of the Mossad’s operations, the narrative unfolds the human stories behind the agency. Thomas introduces readers to key figures within the Mossad, including its leaders and operatives, offering insight into the personalities and motivations propelling individuals to dedicate their lives to intelligence work.
As the narrative progresses, Thomas covers pivotal events in Israel’s history, such as the Six-Day War, the Yom Kippur War, and the Munich Olympics massacre. These historical moments are interwoven into the broader fabric of the Mossad’s activities, illustrating the agency’s impact on critical junctures in Israel’s trajectory.
In summary, “Gideon’s Spies” by Gordon Thomas is an immersive and thorough examination of the Mossad’s clandestine realm. Through meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Thomas provides readers with a profound understanding of the agency’s history, operations, and its indispensable role in shaping Israel’s fate. The book stands as a testament to the Mossad’s resilience, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation amid the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of global intelligence.
My Goodreads Review:
Gideon’s Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad by Gordon ThomasMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The book explores the covert world of the Mossad, Israel’s renowned intelligence agency. The author provides readers with a deep understanding of the agency’s operations and the critical role it plays in Israel’s security. This book is a must-read for those interested in espionage, international affairs, and the intricate web of intelligence gathering.
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