Sameer Gudhate presents the Book Review of Commando by Michael Bar-Zohar and Nissim Mishal

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.

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