Said Caviş reveals details of operation to capture Eli Cohen

Retired Syrian officer Said Caviş has provided new details regarding the operation that led to the capture of Israeli spy Eli Cohen. In a multi-part interview series with Al Majalla, Caviş detailed his role in developing the signal interception capabilities that eventually compromised Cohen.

Caviş, who specialized in signal intelligence, recounted how the idea to monitor Israeli military radio communications originated during the 1956 Suez Crisis. After intercepting Israeli military calls using an old Canadian radio in Homs, he proposed a formal monitoring project. Despite initial skepticism from commanders, the project was eventually approved with the support of officer Said el-Akil.

This led to the establishment of the “134 Signal Battalion,” a unit directly attached to the Signal Corps rather than intelligence services. Following official assignment on September 30, 1957, Caviş conducted long-term observation and listening activities near the village of Naaran in the Golan Heights.