The Labyrinth of Power

Book excerpt: The Labyrinth of Power is a book written by a soldier, commander and statesman, who has recorded grand chapters in Israel's struggle for security and peace. Danny Yatom filled a number of senior, sensitive and classified positions in the security forces and in the civil service; from soldier and commander in the Israeli commando to Major General in the IDF, director of the Mossad and Head of the Military-Political staff at the Prime Minister's bureau. Yatom oversaw operations that were crucial for the State of Israel's security, and was one of the main partners in the diplomatic negotiations in which Israel participated in the last decades in an effort to achieve peace. Throughout his life Yatom took part in several of the central crossroads that determined the fate of Israel. In his book The Labyrinth of Power he reveals, for the first time, hidden details about intriguing affairs, and talks about the leaders he knew firsthand-prime ministers, defense ministers, Arab leaders, presidents and statesmen from around the world. This is a brave book, not without criticism, but also full of love and appreciation for those under whom Yatom served, first and foremost Yitzhak Rabin. This book is filled with new reveals, including the letter that detailed the agreements between Israel and Syria, which was transferred to Bill Clinton by Ronald Lauder, Prime Minister Netanyahu's emissary, in which it was explicitly written: "Israel will withdraw its forces to a line that will be mutually agreed upon by Israel and Syria, based on the line of the fourth of June 1967."