The Mossad, officially known as the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations (Hebrew: המוסד למודיעין ולתפקידים מיוחדים), is Israel’s national intelligence agency. It has recently made headlines for its covert operations, including the infiltration of Hezbollah and the exposure of intimate details about its commanders
The Mossad is one of the key entities in the Israeli Intelligence Community, alongside Aman (military intelligence) and Shin Bet (internal security). The Mossad is responsible for intelligence collection, covert operations, and counterterrorism. The agency’s motto is “Where no counsel is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety” (Proverbs 11:14).
Formation and Structure of the Mossad
Formation
The Mossad was established on December 13, 1949, following a recommendation by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion. Initially named the Central Institute for Coordination, it was created to enhance cooperation among the existing security services in Israel. The agency underwent a significant reorganization in March 1951, becoming part of the Prime Minister’s office and reporting directly to the Prime Minister of Israel. This reorganization aimed to streamline intelligence operations and improve efficiency.
Structure
The Mossad operates under a hierarchical structure, with the director at the top, who answers directly to the Prime Minister. The agency’s internal structure is classified, but it is known to consist of various departments and units specializing in different aspects of intelligence and covert operations. These departments include:
Collections Department: Responsible for gathering intelligence from various sources, including human intelligence (HUMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT).
Political Action and Liaison Department: Handles diplomatic and political activities, often working with foreign intelligence agencies and governments.
Special Operations Division: Conducts covert operations, direct action and other high-risk missions.
Research Department: Analyzes intelligence data and provides assessments to inform decision-making processes.
Technology Department: Develops and implements advanced technologies to support intelligence and operational activities.
This structure allows the Mossad to effectively carry out its diverse and complex missions.
Leadership
The Mossad has been led by various directors over the years, each bringing their unique approach to the agency’s operations. The current director, David Barnea, took office in June 2021. The director’s role is crucial, as they oversee all aspects of the agency’s activities and ensure alignment with national security objectives.
Budget and Personnel
The Mossad’s budget and the number of employees are classified. However, as of the latest available data, it is estimated that the agency employs around 7,000 people and has an annual budget of approximately $2.73 billion. This funding supports a wide range of activities, from intelligence gathering to covert operations and technological development.
The Mossad’s formation and structure reflect its critical role in Israel’s national security apparatus. Its ability to adapt and evolve over the years has enabled it to remain a formidable force in the world of intelligence and covert operations The Mossad’s operations showcase its ability to conduct complex and high-stakes missions, often with significant geopolitical implications.
Notable Operations of the Mossad
Capture of Adolf Eichmann
One of the most famous operations conducted by the Mossad was the capture of Adolf Eichmann in 1960. Eichmann was a senior Nazi party member and Obersturmbannführer (Lieutenant-Colonel) in the SS responsible for orchestrating the logistics of the Holocaust. After World War II, he fled to Argentina and lived under a false identity.
In 1960, Mossad operatives, led by Rafi Eitan, tracked Eichmann to Buenos Aires. They conducted extensive surveillance and confirmed his identity. On May 11, 1960, a team of operatives, including Peter Malkin, abducted Eichmann as he walked home from work. They wrestled him into a car and took him to a safe house, where he was held for several days.
Eichmann was then drugged and disguised as a flight attendant to be smuggled out of Argentina on an El Al flight to Israel. His capture was announced by Israeli Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion on May 23, 1960. Eichmann stood trial in Jerusalem, where he was found guilty of war crimes and crimes against humanity. He was executed by hanging on June 1, 1962. This operation not only brought Eichmann to justice but also highlighted the atrocities of the Holocaust to the world.
Infiltration of Syrian Government
Another notable operation was the infiltration of the Syrian government by Eli Cohen. Cohen, born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1924, was one of the most successful and famous spies in the history of espionage. Recruited by the Mossad, Cohen was trained to assume the identity of Kamel Amin Thabet, a wealthy Syrian businessman. His mission was to infiltrate the Syrian government and gather intelligence that would be crucial for Israel’s security.
Cohen’s infiltration was remarkably successful. He managed to establish close relationships with high-ranking Syrian officials, including the Syrian President, Amin al-Hafiz. His charm, intelligence, and ability to blend in allowed him to gain access to sensitive military and political information. Cohen’s reports provided Israel with detailed insights into Syrian military plans, fortifications, and strategies, which later proved invaluable during the Six-Day War in 1967.
Despite his success, Cohen’s activities eventually aroused suspicion. In January 1965, Syrian counterintelligence intercepted his radio transmissions and triangulated his location. He was arrested, tortured, and tried in a military court. Despite international pleas for clemency, Cohen was sentenced to death and publicly hanged in Damascus on May 18, 1965.
Eli Cohen’s legacy endures in Israel, where he is remembered as a national hero. His intelligence work significantly enhanced Israel’s military capabilities and contributed to its strategic victories. Streets and memorials in Israel bear his name, and his story continues to inspire future generations of intelligence officer.
Operations Against Hezbollah
In recent years, the Mossad has been actively involved in operations against Hezbollah, a militant group based in Lebanon. The Mossad has targeted top commanders and infiltrated the group’s leadership. One of the most notable operations involved the use of explosive walkie-talkies and pagers. This operation was meticulously planned and executed over a decade. Mossad agents managed to infiltrate Hezbollah’s supply chain by setting up shell companies and selling them walkie-talkies and pagers embedded with explosives. The devices were designed to harm only the Hezbollah operatives using them, minimizing collateral damage
On September 17 and 18, 2024, thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah operatives across Lebanon exploded, injuring and killing many. This operation, known as “Operation Grim Beeper,” had a significant psychological impact on Hezbollah’s leadership, particularly on its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was subsequently killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2024. The operation was so effective that it disrupted Hezbollah’s activities and sent a strong message to Iran and its allies. Mossad’s ability to carry out such sophisticated operations has been crucial in maintaining Israel’s security and countering threats from Hezbollah.
Hostage Negotiations with Hamas
The Mossad was involved in intricate negotiations for a hostage swap deal with Hamas, with talks taking place in Doha. The head of Mossad, David Barnea, actively participated in these talks, which saw significant progress and were ultimately finalized. The negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, aimed to secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The outcome of these negotiations could have a profound impact on the ongoing conflict and the humanitarian situation in the region.
International Standing
The Mossad’s capabilities and effectiveness are highly regarded in the international intelligence community. It is known for its sophisticated espionage and counterintelligence operations, which have had a significant impact on global security. The agency’s ability to adapt and evolve to meet ever-changing threats has earned it a reputation for efficiency and precision in international missions.
The Mossad’s expertise in human intelligence (HUMINT), cyber operations, and collaboration with allied agencies has indeed made it a key player in the intelligence landscape, particularly in the Middle East. Its strategic gathering of intelligence and ability to conduct complex operations abroad have significantly contributed to its status as one of the most respected and feared intelligence services in the world.
Cooperation Amid Concerns
The CIA and Mossad maintain close ties, built on mutual trust and cooperation. Both agencies share sensitive intelligence and collaborate on various operations, making this partnership crucial for the national security interests of both countries. Other Western intelligence agencies, such as SIS/MI6 (United Kingdom), BND (Germany), and DGSE (France), also maintain close ties with Mossad. These partnerships are crucial for addressing global security threats and enhancing the effectiveness of their operations.
However, there have been concerns about Mossad espionage activities in the United States. Reports indicate that Israeli intelligence agencies, including Mossad, have targeted the U.S. for economic and military espionage. These activities have included attempts to gather sensitive information on military and dual-use technologies, as well as monitoring communications and recruiting sources within the U.S. Similar concerns have been raised about Mossad espionage activities in other Western countries, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France.
Final Thoughts
The Mossad remains a vital component of Israel’s intelligence and security apparatus. Its operations, both historical and recent, demonstrate its capabilities and the significant role it plays in protecting Israel’s national interests. The Mossad’s capabilities and achievements have solidified its position as a formidable force in international intelligence.
