Ephraim Lapid's work highlights the remarkable achievements of the Israeli intelligence community while also candidly addressing its shortcomings. This insightful read is essential for anyone interested in Israel's security, history, and the clandestine operations of the IDF. Drawing from his firsthand experience, Lapid chronicles the evolution of Israeli intelligence, particularly during the pivotal 1960s and 1970s, offering a nuanced perspective on the challenges and opportunities that shaped its development into a leading global force. Lt. Gen. Ehud Barak, a former prime minister and defense minister, emphasizes the book's unique insights into how Israeli intelligence has played a crucial role in the nation's growth, from a population of six hundred thousand to over six million Jews and more than two million indigenous Arabs. The depth and breadth of analysis presented here are unparalleled, detailing the infrastructure that has achieved significant operational successes while continuously adapting to new challenges. Efraim Halevy, the ninth head of the Mossad and former chairman of the Israeli National Security Council, underscores the book's importance in understanding the strategic evolution of Israeli intelligence.
