Israeli spy Robert Dessa imprisoned in Egypt in ‘Lavon Affair’ case dies at 91

CAIRO – 26 September 2024: Robert Dessa, the most recent Israeli agent detained in Egyptian prisons in the infamous "Lavon Affair" operation case passed away at the age of 91 in his residence in Ramat HaSharon, Israel, on Tuesday.

Born in Alexandria in northern Egypt, Dessa and his associates in Cairo and Alexandria were recruited by Israeli intelligence in 1951 to establish an espionage network.

This network aimed to carry out acts of sabotage in Egypt’s western facilities and make Britain back down from its intention to clear the Suez Canal, according to Israeli reports.

The network operated as a dormant structure to be activated as needed. However, Egyptian authorities unveiled the network and apprehended Dessa and several other operatives three years later.

 

Dessa and Israeli gangs have failed in several sabotage attempts in Egypt, including attempted targeting of post offices in Alexandria and the US consulate.

After spending 14 years behind bars, Dessa was eventually released as part of a negotiated settlement and was received by then-Prime Minister of Israel Golda Meir as reported by Israeli media.

Reflecting on his involvement in the sabotage operation, Dessa expressed regret, stating, “We were young and naive... but my operators were older individuals who acted recklessly and irresponsibly.”