Arnon Milchan has led an extraordinary life. The kind of life one would read about in a John Le Carre spy novel or in a movie made by Hollywood colleagues Steven Spielberg or Oliver Stone. This is the story of a secret agent, of nuclear proliferation, billion-dollar high-tech defence transactions, ideology, patriotism, love, heartbreak, and the awe-inspiring Hollywood career of a mysterious mogul. In a true story that puts James Bond to shame, Confidential details with nail-biting suspense how producer Arnon Milchan evolved from his youth into one of the most important covert agents that Israeli intelligence has ever fielded. From Iran to South Africa, from Poland to Taiwan and the US, Confidential casts a global net to expose the legendary producer of blockbusters like Pretty Woman, L A Confidential, and Mr and Mrs Smith. Meir Doron and Joseph Gelman methodically unveil Arnon Milchan's role as a key player in many of Israel's most important intelligence operations. Confidential is packed with stunning new revelations and opens a window into the world of a real covert operative, who evolved into a genuine member of Hollywood's royal elite.
Meir Doron was raised in the town of Rehovot, Israel, the hometown of Arnon Milchan, and knew the extended Milchan family. He is an award-winning screenwriter (winner of the Prix Italy, 1986, for his film Bread), and has worked over the past three decades as a journalist and editor, specializing in security and political affairs. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
Joseph Gelman was born in Indianapolis, Indiana. At the age of eighteen he volunteered for three years of service in an Israeli paratroop reconnaissance unit. After returning to the United States he worked as a consultant to the past President and Chairman of AIPAC on US-Israeli relations and defense-related matters. He has worked as a private consultant for political campaigns, speechwriting, government relations, international marketing, and as a columnist. He currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"Arnon is a special man. His activities gave us a huge advantage, strategically, diplomatically, and technologically. In my present position as president, I am restrained from recommending any single individual for our highest defense-related honor, but undoubtedly, Arnon Milchan is worthy of such an acknowledgment, and that's as close to a recommendation that I, as president, can give. -- Source: Shimon Peres, President of Israel.
Never, never tell jokes about a man with easy access to weapons of mass destruction. -- Source: Peter Chernin, former CEO of Fox Entertainment Group.
Arnon Milchan...is a loyal and generous friend who also happens to be a great longterm and trustworthy partner. -- Source: Rupert Murdoch, CEO, News Corporation."
Speculation about Milchans involvement in arms dealing and intelligence activities was sparked after the indictment in 1985 of Richard Kelly Smyth, an aerospace executive who had made illegal shipments of nuclear triggers through one of Milchans companies. But it remained hearsay until Joseph and Meir published their book. A major worry, Joseph said, was the impression that he had profited hugely from Israels security dilemmas. To me he is a hero, Joseph added. If you are pro-Israel he is a hero, if not, he is a criminal.
