核心要点
1. 摩萨德的无情格言：“以诡计行战争”
摩萨德的核心信条是：“以诡计行战争。”
核心理念。 摩萨德奉行以欺骗为主要手段的作战原则。这一格言公开传达给新兵，奠定了该组织在情报收集和特种行动中重视狡诈与迷惑、轻视正面冲突的基调。
以威胁为正当理由。 这一理念源于以色列面临生存威胁的认知，认为必须不择手段以求生存。新兵被灌输国家安全高于道德考量的观念，形成了以国家利益为先的伦理框架。
对行动的影响。 这句格言渗透摩萨德各个层面，从招募到国际重大行动，鼓励操纵、误导和利用弱点成为常态，塑造了特工的思维方式和行动手法。
2. 严苛的招募与洗脑过程
整个体系始于挑选合适人选，随后通过精心设计的宣传洗脑，逐步塑造他们。
严格筛选。 招募过程漫长且严密，涵盖心理测试、面试、体检和测谎。成千上万的人中仅选出少数，要求候选人具备服从性、适应力及隐秘的特殊才能。
塑造思维。 入选者接受转变性训练，重塑其认知和忠诚。通过不断强化和灌输组织意识形态，培养出将摩萨德目标置于个人信念和外部道德之上的特工。
培养忠诚与冷酷。 训练强化精英归属感和对组织的极端忠诚，同时培养必要的冷酷无情，使特工在现场能毫不犹豫地做出道德模糊的艰难决策，将目标甚至盟友视为纯粹的工具。
3. 赛亚尼姆的力量：全球犹太志愿者网络
你拥有一个无风险的招募系统，实际上可以动用数百万居住在境外的犹太人资源。
志愿支持网络。 摩萨德高度依赖“赛亚尼姆”系统，即居住在以色列境外的犹太志愿者，他们虽非正式特工，也不掌握机密，却提供后勤支持。鉴于摩萨德规模有限，这一网络至关重要。
多样化服务。 赛亚尼姆利用其平民身份提供多种协助，包括：
- 无需正规手续租车或租房
- 提供医疗服务而不向当局报告
- 现金或金融服务支持
- 设立临时商业据点或地址
伦理风险。 虽对赛亚尼姆风险较低，但若曝光可能危及海外犹太社区安全。摩萨德通常采取务实态度，优先考虑行动需求而非侨民后果。
4. 行动手法：掩护、安全与心理操控
这门课程实际上是一所诈骗学校——教人如何为国家成为骗子。
精通欺骗。 特工接受全面训练，掌握制造和维持掩护身份，常常扮演多重身份和职业。灵活多变是关键，使卡察能无缝适应不同环境和目标。
严格安全规程。 个人及行动安全（APAM）被反复演练，涵盖：
- 侦测监视（路线规律、静止尾随）
- 保障会面地点和安全屋
- 使用密码通信和暗号投递
- 处理伪造证件和假护照
利用人性弱点。 招募常针对金钱、情感（复仇、意识形态）或性等“钩子”，特工被教导识别并逐步操控目标，推动其走向妥协。
5. 内部争斗与缺乏问责
一个没有监督机构的情报机关如同一门失控的大炮，只不过它是蓄意为恶的失控大炮。
部门冲突。 摩萨德内部存在显著的部门竞争，尤其是招募部门“措梅特”和联络部门“特韦尔”之间。这些权力斗争阻碍合作，导致决策失误，甚至危及行动。
缺乏外部监督。 摩萨德几乎没有公众或政治问责。与其他民主国家的情报机构不同，没有正式的立法委员会审查其活动，内部政治和个人议程得以不受约束地影响决策。
权力失控的后果。 缺乏监督滋生个人攀升和内部争斗凌驾于国家利益之上，导致伦理妥协、资源浪费及可能损害以色列声誉和外交关系的行为。
6. 争议行动：暗杀与操控
我们只做对自己有利的事，其他人都不管，因为他们不会帮我们。
定点清除。 摩萨德设有暗杀小组“基顿”，针对被视为敌人的目标实施无审判杀害，名单由总理秘密批准。此举被视为对“血债累累”者的国家自卫。
操控盟友。 摩萨德积极操纵友好情报机构和政府以谋取利益，包括：
- 向CIA、意大利警方等提供选择性或误导性情报
- 利用联络关系获取行动优势
- 利用盟友掩盖摩萨德行动或失误
资金来源存疑。 该组织涉足军火交易，甚至可能涉及毒品走私（如巴拿马事件所示），以筹集资金，运作超出常规金融渠道，引发严重伦理质疑。
7. 斯芬克斯行动：核竞赛中的破坏与招募
鱼已经吞下了钩子。
针对伊拉克核计划。 摩萨德为延缓或阻止伊拉克核项目，展开多年行动，涵盖情报收集、破坏和招募。
操控招募。 关键成功在于招募伊拉克科学家布特鲁斯·埃本·哈利姆，利用：
- 监视及利用其个人弱点（不幸婚姻、金钱欲望）
- 精心设计的掩护身份（富商）
- 心理操控（制造对CIA的恐惧）
破坏与暗杀。 行动包括在法国破坏反应堆部件，暗杀关键人员如物理学家亚希亚·埃尔·梅沙德及可能暴露行动的妓女，显示摩萨德不惜动用致命武力。
8. 斯特雷拉导弹阴谋与内部纷争
但考利的坚持挽救了戈尔达·梅厄的生命。
黑九月威胁。 慕尼黑惨案后，巴解组织黑九月派针对以色列领导人，包括总理戈尔达·梅厄，策划在罗马用斯特雷拉导弹击落其飞机。
情报失误与内斗。 尽管有警告，摩萨德内部争斗和判断失误阻碍应对。卡察安全疏漏暴露特工，罗马与米兰站长间的纷争延误关键信息共享。
灾难避免。 在内部阻力下，细致的卡察沙伊·考利拼凑线索，促使采取行动，导弹在梅厄抵达前被查获，彰显个人坚持能克服体制缺陷，但也暴露内部混乱的高昂代价。
9. 恐怖分子卡洛斯：摩萨德不作为的产物
卡洛斯那天成名了。
招募关键线人。 黑九月领导人被暗杀后，摩萨德招募其联络人穆卡贝尔，获得欧洲恐怖网络宝贵情报，包括崛起中的卡洛斯。
犹豫与内斗酿惨剧。 尽管知晓卡洛斯危险且有机会铲除或交法警方，摩萨德内部争论和权力斗争阻碍果断行动。措梅特欲利用情报，特韦尔则想控制释放以谋取筹码。
悲剧后果。 不作为直接导致一次失败的警方突袭，卡洛斯杀死三名法国警察及联络人穆卡贝尔。事件使卡洛斯声名大噪，暴露摩萨德内部政治对外部安全的致命影响。
10. 摩西行动：秘密救援与代价惨重的曝光
多年来离开很难……如今家人尚有半数仍在，他们却把一切公之于众，怎能如此？
救援埃塞俄比亚犹太人。 摩萨德秘密展开大规模行动，营救数千饥饿的埃塞俄比亚犹太人（法拉沙人）脱离苏丹难民营，送往以色列。
精心掩护。 救援关键在于在苏丹红海岸设立假旅游度假村，作为海陆运输法拉沙人的掩护。行动涉及贿赂官员、走私设备及以色列海军和平民人员的深度伪装。
曝光与代价。 行动被一名多嘴的以色列官员和媒体提前泄露，迫使行动中止。虽救出数千人，仍有数千人滞留，凸显即便为高尚目的，保密破裂带来的惨重人道代价。
11. “超越”规则的行动：美国秘密Al部门
波拉德不是摩萨德成员，但许多其他人在纽约和华盛顿——他们称之为“游乐场”——积极从事间谍、招募、组织和秘密行动，隶属于摩萨德一个极机密部门，名为Al，希伯来语意为“超越”或“在上”。
美国秘密行动。 尽管官方否认，摩萨德在美国设有高度隐秘的Al部门，主要活动于纽约和华盛顿。该部门独立于以色列大使馆，使用美国护照，违反摩萨德常规规定。
情报收集与影响。 Al部门重点收集美国境内有关阿拉伯世界和巴解组织的情报，同时关注与以色列相关的美国政治和军事动态，利用社交网络招募内部线人。
政治影响。 Al部门活动引发重大政治风波，最著名的是曝光联合国大使安德鲁·杨未经授权会见巴解组织，导致其被迫辞职。此事加剧美以关系紧张，凸显盟友领土内秘密行动的风险。
12. 幻灭与离开：质疑体制的代价
令我失望的是，我以为自己进入了以色列的奥林匹斯山，结果却发现自己身处所多玛和蛾摩拉。
理想破灭。 作者怀着深厚的犹太复国主义理想加入摩萨德，视其为保护以色列的精英组织。经历揭示了道德妥协、内部腐败、冷酷务实和对生命漠视的现实，彻底粉碎了他的幻想。
质疑手段。 目睹内部争斗、个人私利和“管他别人死活”的心态驱动行动，作者开始质疑组织的伦理和效能。他提出异议遭遇敌意和排斥。
被迫离开。 作者拒绝顺从，敢于挑战体制，尤其在涉及权势人物的个人事件后，成为组织眼中的隐患，最终被迫离开，面临威胁和报复。
读者评价
《欺骗之道》是前摩萨德特工维克多·奥斯特洛夫斯基对摩萨德行动的争议性揭露。评论褒贬不一，有人称赞其内部揭秘，亦有人质疑其可信度。许多读者对书中训练细节颇感兴趣，但对后续章节兴趣减退。尽管内容显得有些过时，仍具现实意义，提供了对情报机构战术的洞察。批评者认为此书可能带有自我辩护或宣传色彩。总体而言，读者认为这是一本引人入胜但可能存在偏见的摩萨德秘密世界记录，同时也引发了对情报行动伦理问题的思考。
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常见问题
What is By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky about?
- Insider’s account of Mossad: The book is a firsthand exposé by Victor Ostrovsky, a former Mossad officer, revealing the inner workings, recruitment, training, and operations of Israel’s secret intelligence agency.
- Focus on covert operations: It details Mossad’s espionage, sabotage, and assassination missions, including high-profile operations like the campaign against Iraq’s nuclear program and retaliation for the Munich massacre.
- Personal journey and critique: Ostrovsky shares his own experiences, highlighting the psychological and moral challenges faced by agents, and offers a critical perspective on Mossad’s internal culture and ethics.
- Historical and political context: The narrative intertwines Mossad’s activities with major Middle Eastern and global events, providing context for Israel’s security concerns and covert actions.
Why should I read By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky?
- Rare insider perspective: The book offers unprecedented access to the secretive world of Mossad, with details unavailable in most other sources.
- Understanding intelligence work: Readers gain insight into espionage techniques, recruitment, and the realities of covert operations, challenging popular myths about intelligence agencies.
- Critical ethical reflection: Ostrovsky encourages readers to question the morality and consequences of intelligence work, especially regarding accountability and oversight.
- Historical significance: The book provides valuable context on how Mossad’s actions have shaped Middle Eastern politics and global security.
What are the key takeaways from By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky?
- Mossad’s power and secrecy: The agency operates with little oversight, wielding significant influence both within Israel and internationally.
- Moral ambiguity of espionage: Intelligence work often involves deception, manipulation, and violence, raising complex ethical questions.
- Internal politics and rivalries: Mossad’s effectiveness can be undermined by internal power struggles and resistance to questioning authority.
- Impact on global events: Mossad’s covert actions have had far-reaching effects on international relations, security, and the perception of Israel.
How does Victor Ostrovsky describe Mossad recruitment and training in By Way of Deception?
- Rigorous selection process: Candidates undergo psychological testing, medical exams, polygraphs, and interviews to identify those suited for intelligence work.
- Intense training academy: Trainees face a multi-year program covering surveillance, security, weapons, cover stories, and operational tactics, often through harsh simulations.
- Emphasis on deception: Mastery of cover identities and the art of deception is central, preparing agents for work in hostile environments.
- Psychological conditioning: Training includes stress tests and indoctrination to foster loyalty, adaptability, and the ability to handle moral ambiguities.
What are the main Mossad operations detailed in By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky?
- Operation Sphinx: Mossad’s campaign to sabotage Iraq’s nuclear program, involving espionage, recruitment of scientists, and sabotage leading to the Osirak reactor airstrike.
- Black September retaliation: Targeted assassinations and psychological warfare against terrorists responsible for the Munich massacre.
- Operation Moses: The covert rescue of Ethiopian Jews from Sudan, using a secret diving resort and airlifts.
- Other notable missions: Foiled assassination attempts, sabotage of PLO arms shipments, and technical espionage like the “Belgian Table” operation.
How does By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky portray Mossad’s internal culture and ethics?
- Moral ambiguity and ruthlessness: Loyalty to the mission often overrides personal ethics, with agents engaging in manipulation, blackmail, and even sexual exploitation.
- Sexual politics and exploitation: Sexual relationships are used as tools for recruitment and control, with widespread affairs among staff.
- Lack of accountability: Mossad operates with minimal oversight, leading to unchecked power and internal corruption.
- Survival mentality: Agents are trained to prioritize their own survival and the agency’s goals, sometimes at the expense of innocents.
What are the key methods of espionage and recruitment in By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky?
- Use of sayanim: Mossad relies on Jewish volunteers worldwide for logistical support, such as housing and document procurement, without making them formal agents.
- Psychological manipulation: Recruitment exploits money, ideology, sex, and emotional vulnerabilities, often gradually increasing a recruit’s complicity.
- Elaborate cover stories: Agents develop detailed identities supported by forged documents and business fronts to operate undetected.
- Advanced surveillance: Techniques include bugs, dead-letter boxes, and motionless following to ensure operational security.
What are the main departments and roles within Mossad according to By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky?
- Tsomet (Recruitment): Handles agent recruitment and human intelligence gathering.
- Komemiute (Combatants): Manages deep-cover operatives and assassination teams (kidon) for covert operations.
- Kaisarut (Liaison): Maintains relationships with foreign intelligence agencies and manages arms deals.
- PAHA (Hostile Sabotage): Focuses on counter-terrorism and monitoring hostile organizations.
- Yarid and Neviot: Specialize in security, surveillance, and technical operations like break-ins and bug installations.
What is the significance of Operation Sphinx in By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky?
- Targeting Iraqi nuclear ambitions: Operation Sphinx aimed to sabotage Iraq’s nuclear reactor project through espionage and sabotage.
- Recruitment of key scientists: Mossad used elaborate deception to recruit Iraqi nuclear scientist Butrus Eben Halim.
- Sabotage and assassinations: The operation included planting explosives, stealing documents, and assassinating figures involved in the nuclear program.
- Culmination in airstrike: Intelligence and sabotage efforts led to the 1981 Israeli airstrike that destroyed the Osirak reactor.
How does By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky describe Mossad’s use of technology and computers?
- Centralized intelligence database: Mossad maintains a vast computerized system tracking over 1.5 million individuals and their global contacts.
- Advanced coding and security: Communications use complex double coding to prevent interception and decoding by adversaries.
- Operational support: Computers assist in recruitment, surveillance, and planning, but agents must still rely on field skills and judgment.
- Limitations and vulnerabilities: The system can be overloaded or compromised, as illustrated by a trainee’s query that crashed the database.
What is the “Al” unit in Mossad, and what role does it play according to By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky?
- Secret U.S.-based division: The Al unit operates mainly within the United States, unknown to most Mossad employees.
- Espionage and recruitment: It gathers intelligence on Arab countries, the PLO, and U.S. political figures, often using American passports.
- High-risk operations: Al katsas work without diplomatic immunity, making their missions especially dangerous.
- Controversial activities: The unit’s existence contradicts official claims that Mossad does not operate in the U.S.
What are the best quotes from By Way of Deception by Victor Ostrovsky and what do they mean?
- “By way of deception, thou shalt do war.” This Mossad motto encapsulates the agency’s reliance on deception as a fundamental tool.
- “May I read about you in the paper.” A curse among agents, reflecting the danger and disgrace of public exposure.
- “No one will escape the long arm of Israeli justice.” Quoted from Golda Meir, symbolizing Mossad’s relentless pursuit of enemies.
- “The Mossad is destroying Israel by manipulating power.” Ostrovsky’s warning about the dangers of unchecked intelligence operations.
- “No detail is too small.” Emphasizes the critical importance of meticulousness in intelligence work.
