The Mossad: Six Landmark Missions of the Israeli Intelligence Agency, 1960-1990

by Marc E. Vargo

This book describes the clandestine missions that were defining moments in the evolution of the Mossad, including its pursuit of the Black September terrorists who murdered Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympic Games, its acquisition on the high seas of yellowcake uranium for Israel's undeclared nuclear weapons program, and its role in bringing to justice Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann. The agency's more questionable deeds are also covered, among them the assassination of civilian scientists associated with Iraq's nuclear energy program and the abduction of Israeli citizen Mordechai Vanunu, who, like Edward Snowden, has been variously depicted as a principled whistleblower and an unscrupulous traitor. Taken together, the missions discussed in this volume illustrate the Mossad's character, creativity and courage, while acknowledging the problematical moral dimensions of its operations.

Genres: Israel, History

308 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2015

About the author

Author of ten nonfiction books, Marc E. Vargo's writing focuses on transnational terrorism, espionage, European resistance movements, and LGBTQ history. Titles include “Airline Terrorism,” “The Mossad,” and “Women of the Resistance.” Pulling back the curtain on some of history’s darkest and most intriguing operations, his books explore the secret conflicts and intelligence wars that have shaped the modern world. [ChatGPT-5.2]

In 2026, he is at work on a new book, "Watching Desire," which examines the ways in which intelligence and security agencies monitor sexual activity and other aspects of private life, turning intimacy itself into a subject of state observation.

Marc and his partner make their home on the Northshore of New Orleans.

Reviews

[Tejas Pawar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mossad : Six Landmark Missions - Sheds light on how Mossad fought back on number of events burning their own skin in the process. It’s a good read when read alone with no other thoughts lurking.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book offers an enthralling look into six pivotal missions carried out by the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad between 1960 and 1990. The detailed narratives provide a fascinating glimpse into the world of espionage, highlighting the agency's ingenuity and impact on global security.

[Atharva · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book deals with an interesting topic but falls woefully short on almost everything. For starters, it only describes five missions, despite the title saying otherwise. It doesn't have much of a narrative structure but keeps repeating drab facts without trying much to weave them into a coherent whole. I bought it at an airport bookstore, and that makes sense: it feels like the author didn't make much of an effort, and the book felt quite half-written. I gave it up halfway.

[Deepak Dewan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was curious to read this book thinking it would be like reading a thriller book. However, found it bit disappointing. Facts are expressed in a very drab manner, sometimes it even drags. Was not as I had expected.