Giovanni Di Stefano, known internationally as the “Devil’s Advocate,” played a key role in negotiating the return of Eli Cohen, the Israeli agent executed in Syria in 1965. Through a series of diplomatic contacts and a high-level operation between Israel and Syria, Di Stefano initiated direct correspondence with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and coordinated efforts with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This joint effort represents a historic step toward closing a decades-old wound.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Bashar al-Assad
A Diplomatic and Humanitarian Mission
On August 3, 2024, Giovanni Di Stefano sent an official letter to the Syrian Embassy via the United Nations, addressed to Ambassador Bassam Sabbagh, in which he formally requested the return of Eli Cohen’s body to his family, underlining the humanitarian and diplomatic importance of such a gesture. At the same time, on the same day, Di Stefano forwarded an official communication to the Israeli Embassy to inform the government of Tel Aviv of his involvement and of the concrete possibility of successfully concluding the negotiation.
In response, on August 4, 2024, the Israeli government confirmed receipt of the documentation and expressed its gratitude for the commitment shown by Di Stefano in this delicate diplomatic mission.
Di Stefano’s Key Role and Coordination between Israel and Syria Giovanni Di Stefano acted as a mediator between the two nations, drawing on his experience and high-level contacts to ensure an open and constructive dialogue. The letter sent to former President Assad highlighted not only the humanitarian necessity of the return of the body, but also the political opportunity for Syria to demonstrate goodwill in the international community.
“A gesture of reconciliation such as this could significantly contribute to peace efforts in the region,” Di Stefano wrote in his letter. “The return of Eli Cohen’s body to his family would be an act of humanity and respect for international law.”
In parallel, Di Stefano maintained constant contact with Netanyahu’s offices to ensure that the Israeli government was fully involved in every phase of the negotiations, thus consolidating an unexpected alliance between Israel and one of its historic adversaries.
The Next Phase: An Impending Conclusion?
Thanks to diplomatic efforts and direct dialogue with the current Syrian leadership, the operation to return Eli Cohen’s body is now at an advanced stage. Di Stefano confirmed that he has received assurances from both sides that the issue is being resolved.
“I hope that very soon Eli Cohen’s family will finally be able to give their loved one a dignified burial. This is the result of a joint effort between the Israeli government and my personal mediation with Syria,” Di Stefano said.
The operation, which marks a major turning point in diplomatic relations between Israel and Syria, is an example of how parallel diplomacy can often achieve results where official channels struggle to make progress.
A Success of Parallel Diplomacy
With this initiative, Giovanni Di Stefano demonstrates once again his ability to act in extremely complex diplomatic scenarios, positioning himself as a key interlocutor to resolve humanitarian issues of historic importance.
The return of Eli Cohen’s body could be the first step towards a broader dialogue between the two nations, with a significant impact on the geopolitical balance of the Middle East.
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