Mossad

{{Audio|He-Mossad.ogg|Ha-Mossad le-Modi'in ule-Tafkidim Meyuhadim}} (Hebrew: המוסד למודיעין ולתפקידים מיוחדים, "Institute for Intelligence and Special Assignments") is an Israeli intelligence agency, commonly referred to as Mossad. It is responsible for intelligence collection, covert action (including paramilitary activities and assassinations) and counter-terrorism. Its focus is on Arab nations and organizations throughout the world.

Introduction

Mossad is one of the world's most well-known intelligence agencies, and is often viewed in the same regard as the CIA and MI6. It is known for its efficiency, and many believe it has made a large contribution to the stability and security of Israel.

Related Topics:
Intelligence agencies - CIA - MI6

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Mossad was formed in December 1949 as the "Central Institute for Coordination", at the recommendation of Reuven Shiloah to Prime Minister David Ben Gurion. Shiloah desired a central body to coordinate and improve cooperation between the existing security services - the Army's Intelligence Department (AMAN), the General Security Service (GSS or "Shabak") and the Foreign Office's "political department". In March 1951 it was reorganized, and made a part of the Prime Minister's Office, reporting directly to the Prime Minister. Its current staff is estimated at approximately 1200.

Related Topics:
December - 1949 - Reuven Shiloah - Prime Minister - David Ben Gurion - March - 1951

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Mossad is a civilian service, and does not use military ranks, although most of the Mossad's staff have served in the Israeli Defense Force (as a part of Israel's compulsory draft system), and many of them are officers.

Related Topics:
Military rank - Israeli Defense Force - Officer

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Mossad's original motto: Betahbulot Ta'ase Lekha Milkhama (Hebrew: בתחבולות תעשה לך מלחמה, "For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety." - Proverbs XXIV, 6) was changed recently as part of the Mossad's public 'coming out' to another Proverbs passage: Be-ein Tahbulot Yipol Am; Uteshua Berov Yoetz (Hebrew: באין תחבולות יפול עם, ותשועה ברוב יועץ, "Where no counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety." - Proverbs XI, 14)

Related Topics:
Hebrew

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Its many successes in serving Israel's security interests has earned Mossad a reputation for being extremely effective as an intelligence agency. However, controversy exists over cases where it has employed the tactics of kidnapping and assassination. Mossad has also been at the forefront of several publicly embarrassing failures.

Related Topics:
Kidnapping - Assassination

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