The Israeli government is refusing to confirm reports that the body of one of its most famous spies has been returned from Syria, just two weeks after the remains of an IDF soldier who had been missing for almost four decades was brought back for burial.
Israeli media are citing Syrian opposition sources in reports that the body of Eli Cohen, who successfully penetrated the highest levels of the Syrian government before being unmasked and publicly executed in 1965, has been taken out of Syria by the Russians.
The reports have raised hopes after the recent return of the body of Sergeant Zachary Baumel, who had been missing since a 1982 battle between the IDF and Syrian forces in the First Lebanon War, was returned to Israel. This was also with the help of the Russians.
Before making any announcement, the remains were tested to confirm that they were indeed those of the fallen soldier.
