Rise and Kill First

The Shadow War: Lessons from Rise and Kill First

Ronen Bergman’s Rise and Kill First is not just a book; it’s a chilling examination of the moral, tactical, and political complexities behind Israel’s covert operations. In it, Bergman pulls back the curtain on the targeted assassinations that have been a cornerstone of Israeli defense strategy since before the state’s founding. Through meticulous research and gripping storytelling, he weaves a narrative that forces readers to grapple with the costs of security and the consequences of wielding immense power in the shadows.

The Ethical Tightrope of National Security

From its opening pages, Rise and Kill First confronts a paradox: how do you defend a nation’s existence while upholding the values that define it? The title itself is drawn from an ancient Talmudic phrase, “If someone comes to kill you, rise and kill him first.” This ethos has driven Israeli intelligence agencies to carry out hundreds of assassinations, targeting enemies who pose existential threats.

But Bergman doesn’t glorify these actions. Instead, he asks the uncomfortable questions: How far is too far? At what point does defense become vengeance? For every operation that saved lives, there were unintended consequences—blowback, the loss of innocent lives, and the perpetuation of cycles of violence. These are the moral dilemmas that haunt every decision-maker and operative in the shadows.

Precision and Pragmatism

Bergman’s narrative isn’t just about ethics—it’s also a testament to human ingenuity and adaptability. The Mossad, Shin Bet, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have become synonymous with operational excellence. Bergman details legendary missions, like the elimination of Hamas leaders and the sabotage of Iran’s nuclear program. These feats underscore a fundamental lesson: success in any endeavor often hinges on an obsessive commitment to preparation, intelligence, and execution.

What sets Israel apart, Bergman suggests, is its ability to innovate under pressure. From cutting-edge technology to creative psychological operations, the nation’s survival instincts have birthed strategies that are as audacious as they are effective. Yet, with each triumph comes a reminder of the costs—both human and spiritual.

Leadership in the Shadows

One of the book’s most compelling threads is its exploration of leadership. Bergman profiles the decision-makers who have sanctioned assassinations, from prime ministers to intelligence chiefs. These are leaders who bear the weight of life-and-death choices, often under the crushing pressure of time and incomplete information.

The takeaway here is universal: true leadership is messy. It involves making decisions with no guarantees and shouldering the fallout, even when the results are less than perfect. In the high-stakes world of counterterrorism, the margin for error is razor-thin, and the consequences of failure are catastrophic.

The Bigger Picture

Rise and Kill First isn’t just a history of Israel’s covert operations; it’s a study in strategy, power, and the human condition. Bergman’s work forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that great achievements often require great compromises. Whether you’re a CEO making tough calls in the boardroom or an individual striving to navigate life’s challenges, the lessons of this book are painfully relevant.

Why You Should Read It

Bergman’s book isn’t light reading, but it’s essential for anyone seeking to understand the intersection of ethics, strategy, and leadership. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there are lessons to be learned—lessons about resilience, decision-making, and the relentless pursuit of a mission.

If you’re a student of history, a leader looking to refine your judgment, or simply someone fascinated by the hidden mechanisms of power, Rise and Kill First offers a roadmap. But it also issues a challenge: to think deeply about the moral compromises we’re willing to accept in pursuit of what we believe is right.