Professor Michael Bar-Zohar was a member of Knesset (Labour) and wrote the official biography of David Ben Gurion. He has written thirty non-fiction books, and has been translated into sixteen languages, winning many international prizes. He is currently working on a biography of Shimon Peres.
I had enjoyed Mossad by the authors. When I saw this book in my friend’s collection, I knew I had to read it.
This non-fiction book chronicles the missions of the Israeli commando and military units. Trust me; these operations can rival any adventure that you find in spy and military thrillers. The stories would keep you captivated while you accompany the soldiers as they fight wars against numerically superior enemy forces; carry out raids in neighboring countries or faraway nations to neutralize threats to Israel or rescue Jews from another nation.
This book does a better job than Mossad when it comes to setting context. Each mission begins with a brief write up about the situation that led to it. At the end there is a quote usually from an individual who was personally involved in the mission.
The tales are engrossing but the events were true which means the bloodshed was real. We can debate for hours about the legality and ethics of some of the operations. Better we stay away from such a discussion.
This book would not appeal to everyone, only lovers of non-fiction military tales would appreciate it.
GENRE :- NON FICTION / HISTORY / MILITARY TACTICS.
From the Authors of MOSSAD another 💣 of a Book on Israeli 🇮🇱 wars and military actions. If you guys have any plans of reading MOSSAD, drop it and read COMMANDO first and than go to the latter.
About the Book :- Authors Michael Bar-Zohar & Nissim Mishal have done a tremendous job in narrating key military missions of the Israel Defense Force, their narrative has been explained with great efficiency only because Michael Bar - Zohar himself has participated in 4 Arab - Israeli wars in the past. Highlights of the book are interviews of key Military figures in the book as well as pictures of key events and wars.
One of my favorite moments in the book is a statement from Egyptian 🇪🇬 President GAMAL ABDEL NASSER just before the start of the famous "6 DAY WAR" just before the war he goes on to say in an interview "If Israel 🇮🇱 wants WAR, AHLAN WA SAHLAN" (meaning If Israel wants war Welcome / we shall give them War) the results being joint (Superior in Numbers)Arab Coalition Forces loosing to inferior Israel (Inferior in Numbers) in just 6 days.
Absolutely loved it and highly recommend this book if you wish to read about Wars, Military Tactics, Israeli Arab Conflict.
Commando: The death-defying missions of the Israeli Special Forces- the title says it all. Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal take us on an adrenaline pumping sojourn into two dozen death-defying missions undertaken by the Israeli Defense Forces. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have no other choice other than taking up these missions, just to ensure that the tiny state of Israel survives the evil machinations of her Arab neighbors who try to wipe her off the face of the globe. The desperation of the State of Israel to ensure that she doesn’t fall prey to the existential crisis brought on by her inimical Arab neighbors, comes through clearly in the work. I enjoyed this book as much as the one on Mossad penned by the same authors. There are no repetitions of operations in this book, except for a couple of missions, but even they come across as really enjoyable to go through again.
Each chapter covers a specific operation and the chapters are prefaced by a short commentary explaining the situation that necessitated the mission. At the end of each chapter, the main protagonist of that particular mission explains the action in the first person. The format is very effective and keeps the reader’s interest alive right through the book. Strongly recommended read for everyone involved in the business of national security.
The sheer grit and determination exhibited by the Israeli Forces to vanquish her enemies and tormentors is a stuff of legends. Another fact that I really appreciated is that most of the high-ranking officers of the Army ended up taking up the reigns of the civilian democratically elected government at all junctures in the history of the country. Examples that readily come to mind are Yitzhak Rabin (Chief of Staff and Prime Minister), Moshe Dayan (Chief of Staff and Defense Minister), Ariel Sharon (Chief of Paratroopers, Defense Minister and Prime Minister), Ezer Weizman (Chief of Air Force and President), Shimon Peres (Director General Defense and President), Benyamin Netanyahu (Active commando in Seyeret Matkal, Finance Minister and current Prime Minister) and Ehud Barak (Commander of Seyeret Matkal and Prime Minister) just to name a few. In which other country would you find war hardened fighters taking on the responsibility to run the country as part of a democratically elected dispensation? I think it is the unique position of Israel in the history of nations that has made it a mandatory requirement of an elected representative to be tactically sound in military matters. Kudos are due to the people and the country that they have at no point in the short history of their county, ever allowed it to slide into a dictatorship.
The book starts off with the Entebbe operation, where the special forces manage to free all the hostages (except for death of one hostage and that of an officer taking part in the Ops) of the hijacked passenger jet right from under the nose of the Idi Amin regime. The sheer daredevilry of the commandos in that operation is really admirable. It does take a lot of imagination and courage to conceive such an operation and then pull it off successfully.
The authors have explained with lot of tactical details the operations carried out by the special forces during the six-day war against Egypt and the Yom Kippur war. The sheer bravery exhibited by the commandos in all these operations is really breath taking. The number of casualties taken on by the Israelis were high, but they have taken it as a price to be paid for their freedom and for protecting their religion and their way of life in the midst of very hostile neighbors.
The punishing raids that the Israelis manage into Egypt, Jordan and Gaza in retaliation to the terrorist attacks on their civilians is really breath taking. The operations are described with all tactical details and it makes very interesting reading. The zero-tolerance practiced by the Israeli nation against attacks by terrorists of Hamas and the PLO is really commendable. It is something which needs to be emulated, especially by a country like India, which is no stranger to covert attacks from across the border. Whether we have the political will to do so is another question. The unity and consensus of the whole of the political establishment of Israel, in taking out the terrorists is worth emulating. There would be contrarian opinions in any democracy, but when it comes to matters of national security and national interest all political schisms need to be levelled, if something worthwhile has to be achieved.
"Mossad" being the famous book it was, I was sure I will read it, But after discussions online I realised that I should Start with Commando and then Mossad...
So, I Picked Commando as my first read of November 2020, and i really enjoyed reading it... This book contains Articles on Some of the Most Dangerous Encounters of the Israeli Special Forces...
There are Assasination Missions, Rescue of Hostages, Wars against Enemy Nations and Reading about all these in details, and Knowing that all of these have actually happened in real, the close encounters, the bloodbath was chilling...
What I appreciated the Most about this book, Was that it gives a lot of information on How one of the best armed forces of the World Operates...
One of the Authors Michael Bar-Zohar has himself been part of the Commando units, and that Increases the Fact that these are as true accounts as possible...
I am more of a Fiction Reader, But can easily say that this book though being a Non-Fiction did not bore me at all... All the Fans of Action Movies, and Interested in Military Powers will definately enjoy this...
it was a entertaining and enlightning read for me... Will be Starting Mossad Now....
Do tell me, your Views if you have read it... Or When You Read it...
In a world obsessed with superhero fiction, sometimes the most jaw-dropping stories come not from caped crusaders, but from real men in camouflage. Commando by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal plunges readers into a reality where every mission is a heartbeat away from death, and the stakes are as high as national survival. Bar-Zohar, a noted historian, politician, and biographer of Israeli leaders, along with veteran journalist Mishal, combine their storytelling prowess to deliver an electrifying collection of 24 true stories about the Israeli Special Forces. Known for their bestselling book Mossad, the authors now shift focus from intelligence to action, offering a riveting tribute to Israel’s elite warriors.
The book unfolds like an anthology of high-octane thrillers—but every word is rooted in fact. From the legendary Entebbe hostage rescue to covert cross-border raids and surgical assassinations, Commando reveals how a small nation, surrounded by hostile neighbors, harnessed courage and tactical genius to defend itself. Each chapter centers around a specific mission, framed with historical context, followed by a gripping blow-by-blow narrative. What sets Commando apart is not just the action, but the unwavering sense of purpose behind each mission—rescue, retaliation, survival.
Bar-Zohar and Mishal adopt a fast-paced, journalistic style that perfectly suits the urgency of their subject. Their prose is clear, taut, and cinematic, often reading like a screenplay. There’s little room for fluff; every sentence drives the story forward. They balance technical accuracy with emotional weight, making sure that even readers unfamiliar with military jargon remain engaged. Strategic use of first-hand quotes, real photographs, and declassified details lends authenticity without bogging down the flow.
Though the “characters” here are real soldiers, generals, and political leaders, the authors give them enough depth to make us care. We see not just valor, but doubt, loss, and sacrifice. The book doesn’t focus on individual psychology as deeply as a novel might, but it conveys the collective spirit of men who believed in duty above all. As for ideas, the book presents a recurring message: that security and sovereignty are earned, often through decisions made in seconds.
Structured as 24 stand-alone chapters, the book avoids linear storytelling and instead acts like a mosaic—each mission a piece of the larger picture of Israel’s military ethos. This format allows readers to dip in and out without losing coherence. The authors smartly open each chapter with geopolitical stakes, then build suspense steadily before climaxing with the mission’s execution. The pacing is brisk, and there’s rarely a dull moment.
Beneath the surface of bullets and helicopters lies a sobering reflection on survival, resilience, and the moral ambiguities of warfare. Themes like national identity, retaliation versus restraint, and the burden of leadership echo throughout the book. Some missions blur the line between defence and aggression, subtly inviting readers to consider the ethics of preemptive strikes.
While some missions pump adrenaline, others evoke heartbreak—like stories where operatives are killed, or when missions come at great human cost. The Entebbe raid, in particular, left me teary-eyed, not just for its heroism but its symbolism. The emotional tone swings between triumph and tragedy, making it more than just a war chronicle—it becomes a human story.
The book’s biggest strength lies in its gripping storytelling, meticulous research, and emotional authenticity. It successfully blends history with tension and manages to make strategy and warfare accessible to lay readers. The use of multiple missions gives breadth, while the personal anecdotes provide depth.
At times, the book skirts over deeper political nuance, perhaps to maintain narrative momentum. Readers looking for in-depth analysis of Israeli policy or Arab-Israeli relations may find this lacking. Also, the episodic structure, while effective, sometimes sacrifices continuity and emotional buildup.
As someone fascinated by history and strategy, Commando ticked all the right boxes. I was especially moved by the bravery on display and the behind-the-scenes leadership decisions. It reminded me of the complex cost of freedom, and I couldn’t help but admire the clarity of purpose that drives these missions—even if I didn’t always agree with the methods.
Commando is a powerful, pulse-pounding, and deeply respectful ode to the warriors who shaped a nation’s fate. Whether you’re a fan of military history, real-life thrillers, or leadership under fire, this book deserves your attention. I highly recommend it—and hope Bar-Zohar and Mishal continue documenting the untold stories of modern courage.
Commando by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal is a compelling non-fiction work that delves into thirty of the most daring missions undertaken by the Israeli Special Forces. The authors, leveraging their extensive backgrounds—Bar-Zohar as a historian and former Knesset member, and Mishal as a prominent Israeli journalist—provide readers with an inside look into the strategic operations that have shaped Israel's military history.
The narrative is both fast-paced and deeply informative, capturing the intensity and precision of each mission. From electrifying battles to covert raids in enemy territories, the book showcases the bravery and tactical prowess of Israel's elite forces. One notable aspect highlighted is the Israeli principle of "Never abandon a wounded Jewish soldier," underscoring the deep-seated values and camaraderie within the forces.
Overall, Commando offers an eye-opening perspective on the complexities of warfare and the indomitable spirit of those who execute these high-stakes missions. It's a must-read for enthusiasts of military history and those interested in the intricate dynamics of special operations.
This one is an intense and gripping read that offers a fascinating glimpse into Israel’s elite forces. Theis book offers real life stories of not just courage but also strategy and resilience, making it an inspiring read for anyone interested in military operations.
What I really liked about the book is how it goes beyond just action—it gives you a deeper understanding of the discipline, sacrifices, and tactical brilliance that define these forces. The stories are engaging and well-narrated, keeping you hooked throughout.
Reading "Commandos" also sparked my interest in exploring similar books on Indian forces, as it made me appreciate the sheer dedication and strength required in such high-stakes environments. If you're someone who enjoys military history, strategy, or tales of extraordinary bravery, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Committment, dedication, preseverance, innovation fearlessness all for s cause ! Save my people and save my nation ! The Israelis do it in with daring , plan and precision and if it fails with guts ! Read this book !
Amazed by their realisation of dearly won National identity and rigorously committed at socio- governmental level you can only say that it is national cause imbibed in their blood !
Superlative book ! Gives a greater idea about leadership qualities ! The high light of the book lifting the Radar system of Egyptians from Egypt territory to their territory 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Closely knit with the book are the incidents from its predecessor "MOSSAD". The writers never fail to enthrall the readers. The striking feature about the book is how the length of chapters have been decided. While the narrative of the fights present a lively feeling, the focus of the events are never lost; a signature style of the authors in one of their previous book, MOSSAD as well. The book is packed with stories of air raids, battles and stories of home coming of the Jews.
From the Mossad's authors, Commando takes us through special forces missions of the Israel Defence Forces. It has some overlap with Mossad.
The book is paced very differently. Mossad takes us chronologically through each phase of Mossad under its new head while Commando jumps us quickly through the missions albeit not without ample context.
I would rate it a shade below 4 for those expecting it at the same level as Mossad. Regardless, every chapter does leave us in awe of the doggedness, chutzpah, and nationalism of IDF.
Had a feeling of traveled from Jerusalem to Sinai Pensinsula , Roam around in Northern Africa . Had goosebumps while reading the nerve wracking moments of commando missions ! Well executed written work ..!
Cons : very disappointing that the writes didn’t present situation maps of missions ... it’s very hard to international readers to imagine & fetch the story completely in mind unlike Israelis..! Should have shown more pics of the battle front & soldiers..!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
It's a nice book about the mission of different special forces of IDF. Through this book you not only get to know about Sayaret Matkal but also other special forces like Maglan, Shayetet 13, Kingfisher and many more. It's a good book to get to know about IDF as an organisation and how they have achieved their current reputation.
A great book with many many tiny stories of real life mission the israeli defence force plus other military organisations of Israel have performed for their nation.
Great for everyday short stories and all. A little disappointed at the way it was written with lots of different stories but lack of binding references or context. Could’ve been assembled better.
Like the previous book on Mossad, this one is also an interesting read that describes many famous Israeli Missions like the Entebbe raid, Munich Olympic massacre retribution- Operation Wrath of God, Mission of Airlift of The Ethiopian Jews- Operation Moses and Soleman, The Six Day war, How Israel bombed the Syrian and Iraqi nuclear reactors. Fascinating stuff!
A Fantastic book for every die hard war genre fan !!! To top it all these are all true incidents of Israeli Defense Forces(IDF) after their Independence. A must read for those who are history buffs as this gives everyone an eye opening account of global face-offs among different countries.
amazing description of the mission carried out by the israeli commandos. i found it a little similar to Mossad(book by the same author) in some places but overall it gives a different experience while reading.
This non-fiction book reads like a war thriller. Multiple chapters on Mossad, Sayeret Matkal, IDF, IAF missions across the middle east, Africa and abroad. Recommended for those who like war/spy stories.
The book is a great way of studying Israeli history, the courage & valour of the IDF & IAF. The book takes you on a journey of the establishment of Israel as a sovereign country to fight all odds till today for its existence.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I happened to read this book exactly after finishing Mossad. That’s probably the reason why it felt a tad boring and predictable. But as a stand-alone there are some interesting plots.
Very well documented operation of the Israeli Defence Forces giving a generous insight into the differences of hierarchy, operation security, commitment to the mission along with a sense of ignoring the political horse shite.