03 — PERSON
Ashraf Marwan
Ashraf Marwan (1944–2007) is documented in the encyclopedia as an Egyptian official and human source whose relationship with Israeli intelligence is established in the record, while the meaning and value of his reporting — especially before the 1973 Yom Kippur War — remain the subject of major scholarly dispute.
Evidence Assessment
The source relationship and the prewar meeting are archival record.
The value and meaning of his reporting remain contested in the historical literature.
Key Facts
- Lifespan:
- 1944–2007
- Role:
- Egyptian official; reported long-running source
- Key connection:
- Zvi Zamir meeting before 1973 war
- Evidence:
- Documented relationship; interpretation disputed
A recorded source relationship
The A–Z records Marwan's relationship with Israeli intelligence as documented, and the meeting between him and director Zvi Zamir before the 1973 war is part of the archival record. What his material meant is a separate question.
The interpretive dispute
Historians divide sharply on whether Marwan genuinely warned Israel, served as a deception channel, or acted for mixed motives. The encyclopedia treats these interpretations as disputed rather than resolved.
The 2007 death
Marwan died in London in 2007. The circumstances of his death have been the subject of public investigation and competing claims; the encyclopedia does not assign public responsibility.