Was the man called Israel’s greatest spy actually a master of deception?

Cultures · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Ashraf Marwan was an Egyptian millionaire and a high-level aide to President Sadat. While Mossad intelligence believed he was their most valuable asset, some historians argue he was actually a brilliant double agent who led Israel into a trap during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

The life of Ashraf Marwan remains one of the most contested intelligence puzzles of the 20th century. Serving as a close aide to Egyptian President Anwar Sadat from 1971 to 1976, Marwan was a central figure in the geopolitical tensions of the era. For decades, the Israeli Mossad has maintained that Marwan was their most loyal and effective 'walk in' agent, providing strategic intelligence on Egyptian military assets and war plans. He held a position within the Presidential Office for eight years. His influence grew significantly after he married Mona Nasser, the second daughter of the president.

However, the reality may be far more complex. Historian Dr. Ahron Bregman argues that Marwan was actually the 'jewel in the Crown' of an Egyptian deception plan. Despite the intelligence provided to Israel, the country was caught completely unprepared for the coordinated Egyptian and Syrian offensives launched on 6 October 1973. Bregman suggests that Marwan may have intentionally misled Israeli intelligence to ensure the success of the Egyptian military strategy. This strategic failure occurred despite the invaluable intelligence he provided to the Israeli agency. Bregman's investigation suggests that Marwan's actions were part of a calculated effort to mislead his handlers.

The mystery of Marwan's true loyalties was further complicated by his death. On 27 June 2007, Marwan fell from the fifth floor of his London flat, dying in a rose garden. While his widow, Mona, and various Egyptian officials believe he was murdered by Mossad, former Mossad Directors Shabtai Shavit and Zvi Zamir deny these allegations. Whether he was a hero of Egypt or a traitor to the Middle East remains a matter of perspective, leaving his true legacy shrouded in shadow. The circumstances surrounding his fall remain highly disputed by various parties. Even his former associates and family members disagree on the true cause of his death.

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