The Sword of Freedom

Israel, Mossad, and the Secret War

De: Yossi Cohen

Narrado por: Rob Shapiro

Israel has always won. They are winning now. And they must always win in the future.

In The Sword of Freedom, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen pulls back the curtain on Israel’s success in the face of never-ending war. Cohen has played a pivotal role in shaping Israel’s modern defense strategy. Blending personal stories and the nation’s history, he offers a rare glimpse into how Israel has defied existential threats and built a cutting-edge defense system. Now, he reveals how Israel always finds a way to win, as well as:

• The secret to Israel’s success as a nation and military power
• The future of Gaza and Hamas
• What it takes to be in the Mossad
• The mistakes Westerners make when they look at the Middle East
• How Mossad helps counter terrorism around the world
• How the art of spycraft has changed in the advent of AI and social media
• What Donald Trump’s second presidency means for Israel

In today’s volatile world Israel must remain adaptable and resolute to survive. Cohen explores how Israel achieves this: by questioning all intelligence, prioritizing human ingenuity, cooperating with other countries (even ones you might not expect), and ensuring enemies fear defeat before battles begin.

As David Ben-Gurion observed, “History is not written, it is created.” From thrilling covert operations to strategies that safeguard borders, The Sword of Free­dom demonstrates how Israel’s transformation from a vulnerable state to a global power was no accident.

©2025 Yossi Cohen (P)2025 HarperCollins Publishers

Very interesting book by a interesting and important actor of Israel and the Middle East

I loved particularly the beginning when Yossi comments on the current events in Israel and in the Middle East and on this life in the Mossad.Then it gets a bit more about his political ideas which is also ok as I am sure he will be a future leader in Israel thus it’s nice to know some of his ideas and background.

Yossi Cohen is the Quite Leader

Yossi Cohen tells an excellent story about his work and experiences. It doesn’t tell the secrets of Mossad. It’s a great read!

the right to exist

the precise information and explanation of the broad view of the issues at stake. an unabated and forward projection & thinking of the decision makers in this existential threat to the Jewish people and their state. 😇

I just listened to a campaign launch

Less interesting for the sparse detail on Mossad, which can be found elsewhere, this book provides an insight into the mindset of a very successful leader of the organisation.

The emotion and clear-sighted narrative of what it takes to operate in his world was most compelling.

It is also, clearly, the attempt to launch a political career.

Clarity and strength: hallmarks of a great leader

This is a profound and important book. Whatever the future holds for Cohen and Israel, his contributions are heroic and will stand the test of time

Fascinating stories

Mossad is one of the heroes of this war and Yossi Cohen provides Real insider insights and first hand knowledge coming at a sensitive moment for Israel.

Interesting anecdotes but no story line

Interesting anecdotes but the story meandered continuously and functioned more like an unconnected stream of conscious. There was no overarching message but a mixture of autobiography, political opinions, story telling and value sharing with no thread that connected them together.

Lack of information

The author wants to become Israel’s Prime Minister. Therefore, he wrote this book. I was expecting a lot of operational information and spy techniques. He hardly touches on spying on friendly countries. The ego of the author is massive. This book is all about him. Not worth the time spent listening.