Difference between revisions of "Shin Bet"
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| + | {{Infobox organization | ||
| + | | name = [[Shin Bet]] / [[Israel Security Agency]] | ||
| + | | image = [[File:David Zini portrait 2023 - Powerbase.jpg|250px|alt=David Zini photographed in 2023]] | ||
| + | | caption = [[David Zini]], photographed in 2023; service director from 5 October 2025. <ref name="Zini2025"/> | ||
| + | | type = Counterintelligence and internal security service | ||
| + | | founded = June 1948, following reorganisation of [[Shai]]. <ref name="EverySpy16-18"/> | ||
| + | | status = Government service; prime minister responsible on behalf of the government. <ref name="ShinLaw2002"/> | ||
| + | | location = Israel | ||
| + | | area_served = Israel; responsibility for the occupied territories assigned in June 1967.<ref name="Occupation1967">Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel’s Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.168.</ref> | ||
| + | | services = Security intelligence; counterterrorism; counterespionage; protective security; security assessments. <ref name="ShinLaw2002"/> | ||
| + | | key_people = [[David Zini]] — director from 5 October 2025. <ref name="Zini2025"/> | ||
| + | | website = [https://www.shabak.gov.il/ shabak.gov.il] | ||
| + | | remarks = Also known as [[Shabak]], [[General Security Agency]] and [[Sherut ha-Bitachon ha-Klali]]. Sister services: [[Mossad]] and [[Aman]]. Legal basis: [[Shin Bet|General Security Service]] Law, 5762–2002. <ref name="ShinLaw2002"/> | ||
| + | }} | ||
| + | |||
The [[Israel Security Agency]] (ISA) or [[General Security Agency]], known in Hebrew as [[Shabak]] (an abbreviation for [[Sherut ha-Bitachon ha-Klali]]) or [[Shin Bet]], is the Israeli counterintelligence and internal security service.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/irp/world/israel/shin_bet/ Shabak/Shin Bet/Israel Security Agency/Sherut ha-Bitachon ha-Klali], Federation of American Scientists, accessed 9 May 2009.</ref> | The [[Israel Security Agency]] (ISA) or [[General Security Agency]], known in Hebrew as [[Shabak]] (an abbreviation for [[Sherut ha-Bitachon ha-Klali]]) or [[Shin Bet]], is the Israeli counterintelligence and internal security service.<ref>[http://www.fas.org/irp/world/israel/shin_bet/ Shabak/Shin Bet/Israel Security Agency/Sherut ha-Bitachon ha-Klali], Federation of American Scientists, accessed 9 May 2009.</ref> | ||
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The [[Shin Bet]] was founded as Israel's domestic security service in June 1948, when the new state's intelligence community was organised out of [[Shai]], the intelligence wing of the [[Haganah]] militia.<ref name="EverySpy16-18">Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, pp.16-18.</ref> | The [[Shin Bet]] was founded as Israel's domestic security service in June 1948, when the new state's intelligence community was organised out of [[Shai]], the intelligence wing of the [[Haganah]] militia.<ref name="EverySpy16-18">Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, pp.16-18.</ref> | ||
| − | A meeting of the [[Varash]] committee of intelligence chiefs on 19 June 1967 gave Shin Bet responsibility for internal security in the occupied territories conquered in the Six Day War.<ref | + | A meeting of the [[Varash]] committee of intelligence chiefs on 19 June 1967 gave [[Shin Bet]] responsibility for internal security in the occupied territories conquered in the Six Day War.<ref name="Occupation1967"/> |
===Bus 300 Affair=== | ===Bus 300 Affair=== | ||
| − | In 1984, two detained Palestinian hijackers were beaten to death by agents in what became known as the Bus 300 Affair. A government report later revealed that the Shin Bet chief at the time, [[Avraham Ben-Dor|Avraham Shalom]], had ordered the two Palestinians killed and | + | In 1984, two detained Palestinian hijackers were beaten to death by agents in what became known as the Bus 300 Affair. A government report later revealed that the [[Shin Bet]] chief at the time, [[Avraham Ben-Dor|Avraham Shalom]], had ordered the two Palestinians killed and then attempted to cover this up.<ref name="LegacySource1">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1791564.stm Profile: Israel's Shin Bet agency] Wednesday, 30 January, 2002.</ref> |
===Izzat Nafsu case=== | ===Izzat Nafsu case=== | ||
| − | In 1987, Shin Bet was found to have extracted a false confession of espionage from an Israeli army officer Izzat Nafsu, who had been | + | In 1987, [[Shin Bet]] was found to have extracted a false confession of espionage from an Israeli army officer [[Izzat Nafsu]], who had been sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment. He actually served about seven years before the [[Supreme Court of Israel]] overturned the espionage and treason conviction in May 1987. Under a plea agreement, he admitted failing to report contacts with senior [[Palestine Liberation Organisation]] officials and received a two-year sentence, counted as already served. <ref name="Nafsu1987">Jewish Telegraphic Agency, [https://www.jta.org/archive/shin-bet-its-evience-discredited-in-idf-officers-case-under-scrutiny Shin Bet, Its Evience Discredited in IDF Officer’s Case, Under Scrutiny], ''JTA'', 26 May 1987, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref><ref name="LegacySource1"/> |
===Landau Commission=== | ===Landau Commission=== | ||
| − | Following the Nafsu case a Commission was appointed under supreme court judge [[Moshe Landau]] to investigate the intelligence community and its methods. While the committee was deliberating a | + | Following the Nafsu case a Commission was appointed under supreme court judge [[Moshe Landau]] to investigate the intelligence community and its methods. While the committee was deliberating a Palestinian prisoner, [[Awad Hamdan]], died in his cell under [[Shin Bet]] interrogation.<ref>Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.296.</ref> |
The Commission found that [[Shin Bet]] had used "physical pressure" as a matter of course in the occupied territories, and had routinely lied to the courts during the directorships of [[Yosef Harmelin]], [[Avraham Ahituv]] and [[Avraham Shalom]].<ref>Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.297.</ref> | The Commission found that [[Shin Bet]] had used "physical pressure" as a matter of course in the occupied territories, and had routinely lied to the courts during the directorships of [[Yosef Harmelin]], [[Avraham Ahituv]] and [[Avraham Shalom]].<ref>Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.297.</ref> | ||
===Rabin Assassination=== | ===Rabin Assassination=== | ||
| − | Following the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister [[Yitzhak Rabin]] by a right-wing extremist in 1995, the head of Shin Bet, [[Carmi Gillon]] resigned.<ref | + | Following the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister [[Yitzhak Rabin]] by a right-wing extremist in 1995, the head of [[Shin Bet]], [[Carmi Gillon]] resigned.<ref name="LegacySource1"/> A [[Shin Bet]] agent inside the right-wing, [[Avishai Raviv]], was later acquitted of failing to prevent the assassination.<ref>Moshe Reinfeld, [http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/avishai-raviv-acquitted-of-having-failed-to-prevent-rabin-assassination-1.14368 Avishai Raviv acquitted of having failed to prevent Rabin assassination], ''Haaretz'', 30 July 2013.</ref> |
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| + | ===Interrogation ruling, 1999=== | ||
| + | On 6 September 1999, the [[Supreme Court of Israel]], sitting as the [[High Court of Justice (Israel)|High Court of Justice]], ruled that the [[Shin Bet|General Security Service]] lacked authority to use physical interrogation methods including shaking, the ‘shabah’ position and the ‘frog crouch’. The ‘necessity’ defence could not serve as advance legal authorisation for such methods; the court distinguished that question from whether an individual interrogator might invoke the defence in a subsequent prosecution. <ref name="Judgment1999">Supreme Court of Israel, [https://hamoked.org/document.php?dID=260 HCJ 5100/94, Public Committee Against Torture in Israel and others v. Government of Israel and others], ''Judgment reproduced and summarised by HaMoked'', 6 September 1999, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> | ||
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| + | ==Legal role and oversight== | ||
| + | The [[Shin Bet|General Security Service]] Law, 5762–2002, places the service under the authority of the government, with the prime minister responsible on its behalf. Section 7 defines its mission as protecting state security and the democratic order and institutions against terrorism, sabotage, subversion, espionage and disclosure of state secrets. Functions include security intelligence, protective security, security assessments and other activities authorised through the statutory framework. <ref name="ShinLaw2002">State of Israel, [https://www.vertic.org/media/National%20Legislation/Israel/IL_Law_General_Security_5762_2002.pdf General Security Service Law, 5762–2002], ''English translation reproduced by VERTIC'', 11 February 2002, sections 2–7, 12–14, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | The law establishes a ministerial committee and a [[Knesset]] Service Affairs Committee drawn from the [[Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee|Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee]]. It also provides for an internal service comptroller and reporting to the prime minister and parliamentary committee. This statutory framework does not negate the historical controversies described above. <ref name="ShinLaw2002"/> | ||
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| + | ===Leadership transition, 2025=== | ||
| + | [[Ronen Bar]] left office in June 2025 following a dispute with [[Benjamin Netanyahu]] over his removal and the appointment of a successor. His deputy, publicly identified only as ‘S’ or the Hebrew initial ‘Shin’, became acting director at midnight on 15–16 June. [[David Zini]] took office on 5 October 2025 after legal challenges delayed the appointment. <ref name="Acting2025">Yonah Jeremy Bob, [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-857833 ‘S’ takes over as acting Shin Bet chief from Ronen Bar], ''The Jerusalem Post'', 15 June 2025, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> <ref name="Zini2025">Yonah Jeremy Bob, [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-869535 Netanyahu holds first working meeting with new Shin Bet chief David Zini], ''The Jerusalem Post'', 5 October 2025, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| + | |||
| + | Reporting on the appointment distinguished objections to the selection process and concerns about the agency’s independence from assessments of Zini’s military record. [[Isaac Herzog]] and [[Benny Gantz]] were among officials who argued that he should be given a fair opportunity to perform the role. Bar’s allegations about pressure to misuse surveillance powers were allegations, not findings made by this article. <ref name="Zini2025"/> | ||
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| + | In a 3 September 2026 account, the ''[[The Jerusalem Post|Jerusalem Post]]'' reported that the [[High Court of Justice (Israel)|High Court of Justice]] had rejected the substantive challenge to Zini’s appointment in December 2025 by two votes to one. [[Isaac Amit]] dissented, favouring further examination by the appointments committee rather than immediate cancellation; [[Noam Sohlberg]] and [[David Mintz]] found no basis for intervention. The later September 2026 order required the former officials who petitioned to disclose their identities to Zini, while maintaining the ban on public disclosure.<ref name="ZiniSeptember2026">Sarah Ben-Nun, [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-907513 High Court orders former Shin Bet officials who challenged Zini appointment to reveal names], ''The Jerusalem Post'', 3 September 2026, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> | ||
==Structure and Personnel== | ==Structure and Personnel== | ||
| − | + | [[Paul Todd]] and [[Jonathan Bloch]] described three operational departments and five for operational support in 2003. The organisational descriptions and historical appointments below are tied to their cited periods, not a verified 2026 establishment.<ref name="Global153">Paul Todd and Jonathan Bloch, ''Global Intelligence: The World's Secret Services Today'', Zed Books, 2003, p.153.</ref> | |
===Directors=== | ===Directors=== | ||
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*[[Avi Dichter]] 2000-05<ref>[http://www.shabak.gov.il/English/History/heads/Pages/default.aspx ISA Directors Then and Now], ISA Security Agency (Shin Bet), accessed 9 April 2009.</ref> | *[[Avi Dichter]] 2000-05<ref>[http://www.shabak.gov.il/English/History/heads/Pages/default.aspx ISA Directors Then and Now], ISA Security Agency (Shin Bet), accessed 9 April 2009.</ref> | ||
*[[Yuval Diskin]] 2005<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Personalities/From+A-Z/Yuval+Diskin+appointed+ISA+Director+10-Feb-2005.htm Yuval Diskin appointed ISA Director], Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10 February 2005.</ref>-2011 | *[[Yuval Diskin]] 2005<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/Government/Personalities/From+A-Z/Yuval+Diskin+appointed+ISA+Director+10-Feb-2005.htm Yuval Diskin appointed ISA Director], Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10 February 2005.</ref>-2011 | ||
| − | *[[Yoram Cohen]] | + | *[[Yoram Cohen]] 2011–8 May 2016. <ref>[http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/netanyahu-appoints-yoram-cohen-as-israel-s-next-shin-bet-chief-1.352390 Netanyahu appoints Yoram Cohen as Israel's next Shin Bet chief], ''Haaretz'', 28 March 2011.</ref> |
| + | |||
| + | *[[Nadav Argaman]] — 8 May 2016–13 October 2021; appointed senior advisor to [[Cognyte]] in January 2025.<ref name="CognyteArgaman2025">Cognyte Software Ltd., [https://www.cognyte.com/news/cognyte-appoints-nadav-argaman-former-director-of-the-israel-security-agency-as-senior-advisor/ Cognyte Appoints Nadav Argaman, Former Director of the Israel Security Agency, as Senior Advisor], 7 January 2025, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> <ref name="Argaman2016">Herb Keinon, [https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/as-he-leaves-shin-bet-yoram-cohen-thanks-anonymous-helpers-453440 As he leaves Shin Bet Yoram Cohen thanks anonymous ‘helpers’], ''The Jerusalem Post'', 8 May 2016, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> <ref name="Bar2021">Yonah Jeremy Bob, [https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/new-shin-bet-head-ready-to-take-on-iran-israeli-arab-violence-681866 New Shin Bet head: Ready to take on Iran, Israeli-Arab violence], ''The Jerusalem Post'', 13 October 2021, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> | ||
| + | *[[Ronen Bar]] — 13 October 2021–June 2025. <ref name="Bar2021"/> <ref name="Acting2025"/> | ||
| + | *[[Shin Bet acting director S|‘S’ (‘Shin’)]] — acting director, June–5 October 2025. <ref name="Acting2025"/> <ref name="Zini2025"/> | ||
| + | *[[David Zini]] — from 5 October 2025; also identified as service chief in reporting dated September 2026. <ref name="Zini2025"/><ref name="ZiniSeptember2026"/> <ref name="Ynet2026">Itamar Eichner, [https://www.ynetnews.com/article/skc00n2iefe Mossad changes chiefs: Barnea’s legacy and Gofman’s challenges], ''Ynetnews'', undated, accessed 7 November 2026.</ref> | ||
===Deputy Directors=== | ===Deputy Directors=== | ||
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*[[Gideon Ezra]] 1994-95.<ref>Lahav Harkov, [http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Kadima-MK-Gideon-Ezra-dies-of-lung-cancer-at-74 Kadima MK Gideon Ezra dies of lung cancer at 74], ''Jerusalem Post'', 17 May 2012.</ref> | *[[Gideon Ezra]] 1994-95.<ref>Lahav Harkov, [http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Kadima-MK-Gideon-Ezra-dies-of-lung-cancer-at-74 Kadima MK Gideon Ezra dies of lung cancer at 74], ''Jerusalem Post'', 17 May 2012.</ref> | ||
*[[Israel Hasson]] 1997-1999. | *[[Israel Hasson]] 1997-1999. | ||
| − | *[[Avi Dichter]] 1999-2000.<ref name="DichterSBbio>[http://www.shabak.gov.il/English/History/heads/Pages/AviDichter.aspx Avid Dichter], Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012</ref> | + | *[[Avi Dichter]] 1999-2000.<ref name="DichterSBbio">[http://www.shabak.gov.il/English/History/heads/Pages/AviDichter.aspx Avid Dichter], Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012</ref> |
*[[Yuval Diskin]] 2000-03. | *[[Yuval Diskin]] 2000-03. | ||
*[[Offer Dekel]] c.2005. | *[[Offer Dekel]] c.2005. | ||
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===Operations Division=== | ===Operations Division=== | ||
| − | According to journalists Dan Raviv and Yossi Melman, the Operations Division in the early years of [[Shin Bet]] had three departments, Arab Affairs, Non-Arab Affairs, and Protective Security.<ref name="EverySpy50">Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.50.</ref> Given [[Avraham Ben-Dor]]'s move from head of operations to head of security in 1972, it is possible that security became an independent division at some point. | + | According to journalists [[Dan Raviv]] and [[Yossi Melman]], the Operations Division in the early years of [[Shin Bet]] had three departments, Arab Affairs, Non-Arab Affairs, and Protective Security.<ref name="EverySpy50">Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.50.</ref> Given [[Avraham Ben-Dor]]'s move from head of operations to head of security in 1972, it is possible that security became an independent division at some point. |
| − | <ref name="ShalomISAbio>[http://www.shabak.gov.il/ENGLISH/HISTORY/HEADS/Pages/Avraham%28Shalom%29Ben-Dor.aspx Avraham (Shalom) Ben-Dor ], Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012.</ref> | + | <ref name="ShalomISAbio">[http://www.shabak.gov.il/ENGLISH/HISTORY/HEADS/Pages/Avraham%28Shalom%29Ben-Dor.aspx Avraham (Shalom) Ben-Dor ], Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012.</ref> |
*[[Rafi Eitan]] c.1952. | *[[Rafi Eitan]] c.1952. | ||
| − | *[[Avraham Ben-Dor]] 1959-c.1972<ref name="ShalomISAbio | + | *[[Avraham Ben-Dor]] 1959-c.1972<ref name="ShalomISAbio"/> |
| − | *[[Uzi Berger]] - Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission">[http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFA-Archive/1995/Pages/Report%20of%20Internal%20GSS%20Committee%20on%20Rabin%20Assassin.aspx Report of Internal GSS Committee on Rabin Assassination], 8 November | + | *[[Uzi Berger]] - Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission">[http://mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFA-Archive/1995/Pages/Report%20of%20Internal%20GSS%20Committee%20on%20Rabin%20Assassin.aspx Report of Internal GSS Committee on Rabin Assassination], 8 November 1995, archived by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.</ref> |
| − | *[[Rafi Malka]] - Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission" | + | *[[Rafi Malka]] - Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission"/> |
*[[Ehud Yatom]] c.1984.<ref>Ephraim Kahana, 'Historical Dictionary of Israeli intelligence', Scarecrow Press, 2006, p.112.</ref> | *[[Ehud Yatom]] c.1984.<ref>Ephraim Kahana, 'Historical Dictionary of Israeli intelligence', Scarecrow Press, 2006, p.112.</ref> | ||
====Arab Affairs==== | ====Arab Affairs==== | ||
| − | The department of Arab Affairs is responsible for counter-terrorism, counter-subversion and monitoring 'Arab militants'. Its [[Henza]] detachments work with [[Aman]] [[Mista'averim]] units in occupied territories and some neighboring states.<ref name="Global153 | + | The department of Arab Affairs is responsible for counter-terrorism, counter-subversion and monitoring 'Arab militants'. Its [[Henza]] detachments work with [[Aman]] [[Mista'averim]] units in occupied territories and some neighboring states.<ref name="Global153"/> |
*[[Avraham Ahituv]], head c.1967.<ref name="EverySpy169">Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.169.</ref> | *[[Avraham Ahituv]], head c.1967.<ref name="EverySpy169">Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, ''Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community'', Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.169.</ref> | ||
*[[Nachman Tal]] c.1980s. | *[[Nachman Tal]] c.1980s. | ||
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====Non-Arab Affairs==== | ====Non-Arab Affairs==== | ||
| − | The department of Non-Arab Affairs has a wider counter-intelligence role which includes monitoring immigrants and foreign diplomatic missions.<ref name="Global153 | + | The department of Non-Arab Affairs has a wider counter-intelligence role which includes monitoring immigrants and foreign diplomatic missions.<ref name="Global153"/> At one time it was divided into communist and non-communist departments.<ref name="LegacySource1"/> Its role includes responsibility for the Jewish Division.<ref name="LegacySource2">Tomer Zarchin and Amos Harel, [http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/shin-bet-deputy-suspended-for-role-in-lover-s-promotion-1.295011 Shin Bet deputy suspended for role in lover's promotion], ''Haaretz'', 9 June 2010.</ref> |
| − | *[[Amos Manor]], head c.1950.<ref name="YnetObit"> | + | *[[Amos Manor]], head c.1950.<ref name="YnetObit"/> |
| − | + | *[[Shin Bet officer K|"K"]] - c.2010.<ref name="LegacySource2"/> | |
=====Jewish Division===== | =====Jewish Division===== | ||
The Jewish division is responsible for investigating subversive activity by far right Jewish militants.<ref>J.J. Goldberg, [http://blogs.forward.com/forward-thinking/139153/idf-probe-troops-hands-tied-controlling-rightist/ IDF Probe: Troops' Hands Tied Controlling Rightist Jewish Extremism], forward.com, 27 June 2011.</ref> | The Jewish division is responsible for investigating subversive activity by far right Jewish militants.<ref>J.J. Goldberg, [http://blogs.forward.com/forward-thinking/139153/idf-probe-troops-hands-tied-controlling-rightist/ IDF Probe: Troops' Hands Tied Controlling Rightist Jewish Extremism], forward.com, 27 June 2011.</ref> | ||
*[[Carmi Gillon]] 1982-1987 | *[[Carmi Gillon]] 1982-1987 | ||
| − | *'D' -c.2000-05<ref>Mitch Ginsburg, [http://www.timesofisrael.com/outwitted-by-a-bunch-of-12-year-olds/ Outwitted by a bunch of 12-year-olds], ''The Times of Israel', 19 June 2013.</ref> | + | *[[Shin Bet officer D|'D']] -c.2000-05<ref>Mitch Ginsburg, [http://www.timesofisrael.com/outwitted-by-a-bunch-of-12-year-olds/ Outwitted by a bunch of 12-year-olds], ''The Times of Israel'', 19 June 2013.</ref> |
*[[Avigdor Arieli]] - alleged to be head of the Jewish Division c.2010.<ref>Richard Silverstein, [http://www.richardsilverstein.com/tikun_olam/2010/07/16/jewish-terrorist-charged-with-multiple-palestinian-murders-outs-chief-of-shin-bets-jewish-terror-department/ Jewish Terrorist, Charged With Multiple Palestinian Murders, ‘Outs’ Chief of Shin Bet’s Jewish Terror Department], ''Tikun Olam'', 16 July 2010.</ref> | *[[Avigdor Arieli]] - alleged to be head of the Jewish Division c.2010.<ref>Richard Silverstein, [http://www.richardsilverstein.com/tikun_olam/2010/07/16/jewish-terrorist-charged-with-multiple-palestinian-murders-outs-chief-of-shin-bets-jewish-terror-department/ Jewish Terrorist, Charged With Multiple Palestinian Murders, ‘Outs’ Chief of Shin Bet’s Jewish Terror Department], ''Tikun Olam'', 16 July 2010.</ref> | ||
====Protective Security==== | ====Protective Security==== | ||
| − | The protective security department is responsible for protecting strategic infrastructure and for the [[El Al]] airline.<ref name="Global153 | + | The protective security department is responsible for protecting strategic infrastructure and for the [[El Al]] airline.<ref name="Global153"/> |
=====Heads of Protective Security===== | =====Heads of Protective Security===== | ||
| − | *[[Avraham Ben-Dor]] 1972-c.1980<ref name="ShalomISAbio | + | *[[Avraham Ben-Dor]] 1972-c.1980<ref name="ShalomISAbio"/> |
| − | *[[Savinoam Avivi]] - Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission" | + | *[[Savinoam Avivi]] - Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission"/> |
| − | *[[Peleg Radai]] c.1985.<ref name="EverySpy284" | + | *[[Peleg Radai]] c.1985.<ref name="EverySpy284"/> |
*[[Ehud Yatom]].<ref name="Sipress130896">Alan Sipress, [http://articles.philly.com/1996-08-13/news/25645672_1_israeli-soldiers-shot-ehud-yatom-palestinian-bus-hijackers Two Hijackers Were Taken Alive. A Photo Proved It. Israeli's Account Of Killing Arabs Renews A Scandal], ''Philadelphia Inquirer'', 13 August 1996.</ref> | *[[Ehud Yatom]].<ref name="Sipress130896">Alan Sipress, [http://articles.philly.com/1996-08-13/news/25645672_1_israeli-soldiers-shot-ehud-yatom-palestinian-bus-hijackers Two Hijackers Were Taken Alive. A Photo Proved It. Israeli's Account Of Killing Arabs Renews A Scandal], ''Philadelphia Inquirer'', 13 August 1996.</ref> | ||
*[[Dror Yitzhaki]] c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002">Yossi Melman, [http://www.haaretz.com/nothing-succeeds-like-abject-failure-1.31097 Nothing succeeds like abject failure], ''Haaretz'', 18 October 2002.</ref> | *[[Dror Yitzhaki]] c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002">Yossi Melman, [http://www.haaretz.com/nothing-succeeds-like-abject-failure-1.31097 Nothing succeeds like abject failure], ''Haaretz'', 18 October 2002.</ref> | ||
| − | *[[Avi Dichter]] 1996-1999.<ref name="DichterSBbio | + | *[[Avi Dichter]] 1996-1999.<ref name="DichterSBbio"/> |
*[[Doron Bergerbest]] c.2004.<ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=04TELAVIV6489 Israeli Security Services Tell Codel Talent That Interagency Connectivity Is Key In The Fight Against Terror], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 21 December 2004, published by ''Wikileaks'', 1 September 2011.</ref> | *[[Doron Bergerbest]] c.2004.<ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=04TELAVIV6489 Israeli Security Services Tell Codel Talent That Interagency Connectivity Is Key In The Fight Against Terror], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 21 December 2004, published by ''Wikileaks'', 1 September 2011.</ref> | ||
=====Deputy Heads of Protective Security===== | =====Deputy Heads of Protective Security===== | ||
| − | *[[Jonathan Schoham]]<ref | + | *[[Jonathan Schoham]]<ref name="Fourtroop"/> |
| − | *[[Eytan Ben-David]]<ref>[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-281889578/veteran-shin-bet-official.html Veteran Shin Bet official appointed Israel's head of Counter-Terrorism Bureau], BBC Monitoring International Reports, 2 March 2012, archived at accessmylibrary.com.</ref> | + | *[[Eytan Ben-David]]<ref name="LegacySource3">[http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-281889578/veteran-shin-bet-official.html Veteran Shin Bet official appointed Israel's head of Counter-Terrorism Bureau], BBC Monitoring International Reports, 2 March 2012, archived at accessmylibrary.com.</ref> |
=====Heads of Protective Security in Europe===== | =====Heads of Protective Security in Europe===== | ||
| − | *[[Rafi Malka]] - Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission" | + | *[[Rafi Malka]] - Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission"/> |
| − | *[[Eytan Ben-David]] - Date not known.<ref | + | *[[Eytan Ben-David]] - Date not known.<ref name="LegacySource3"/> |
=====VIP Security Unit===== | =====VIP Security Unit===== | ||
| − | *[[Benny Lahav]] - Head of VIP Security Unit c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002"> | + | *[[Benny Lahav]] - Head of VIP Security Unit c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002"/> |
| − | + | *[[Shin Bet officer A.T.|'A.T']] - Head of the Unit c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002"/> | |
*[[Shlomo Harnoy]] - Head c.2003.<ref>[http://www.sdemagroup.com/Team.aspx?t=247 Shlomo Harnoy], Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.</ref> | *[[Shlomo Harnoy]] - Head c.2003.<ref>[http://www.sdemagroup.com/Team.aspx?t=247 Shlomo Harnoy], Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.</ref> | ||
| − | *[[Eytan Ben-David]] - Head - Date not known.<ref | + | *[[Eytan Ben-David]] - Head - Date not known.<ref name="LegacySource3"/> |
| − | *[[Haggai Tal]] Head of Operations c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002"> | + | *[[Haggai Tal]] Head of Operations c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002"/> |
| − | + | *[[Shin Bet officer A.E.|'A.E.']] Head of Operations c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002"/> | |
*[[Dror Mor]] - Deputy Head of the Operations Unit and Head of the Foreign Bureau.<ref>[http://www.sdemagroup.com/Team.aspx?t=250 Dror Mor], Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.</ref> | *[[Dror Mor]] - Deputy Head of the Operations Unit and Head of the Foreign Bureau.<ref>[http://www.sdemagroup.com/Team.aspx?t=250 Dror Mor], Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.</ref> | ||
=====El-Al Security===== | =====El-Al Security===== | ||
| − | *[[Shmuel Sasson]] - former head of El-Al Security.<ref | + | *[[Shmuel Sasson]] - former head of El-Al Security.<ref name="Fourtroop"/> |
| − | *[[Eytan Ben-David]] - head - Date not known.<ref | + | *[[Eytan Ben-David]] - head - Date not known.<ref name="LegacySource3"/> |
===Support Divisions=== | ===Support Divisions=== | ||
| − | Support branch departments have included administration, interrogation and legal counsel, technology, co-ordination and planning, and logistics.<ref name="EverySpy50" | + | Support branch departments have included administration, interrogation and legal counsel, technology, co-ordination and planning, and logistics.<ref name="EverySpy50"/> |
====Administrative Division==== | ====Administrative Division==== | ||
| − | *[[Rafi Malka]] Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission" | + | *[[Rafi Malka]] Date not known.<ref name="RabinCommission"/> |
| − | *[[Ehud Yatom]] Date not known.<ref name="Sipress130896" | + | *[[Ehud Yatom]] Date not known.<ref name="Sipress130896"/> |
*[[Carmi Gillon]] 1993-1994.<ref>[http://www.shabak.gov.il/English/History/heads/Pages/CarmiGillon.aspx Carmi Gillon], Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012.</ref> | *[[Carmi Gillon]] 1993-1994.<ref>[http://www.shabak.gov.il/English/History/heads/Pages/CarmiGillon.aspx Carmi Gillon], Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012.</ref> | ||
| Line 122: | Line 157: | ||
*[[Zvi Aharoni]] - head c.1956 | *[[Zvi Aharoni]] - head c.1956 | ||
*[[Victor Cohen]] - head c.1959 | *[[Victor Cohen]] - head c.1959 | ||
| − | *'A' or 'Sheriff' - head c.1999.<ref name="Melman120608">Yossi Melman, [http://www.haaretz.com/the-torture-police-every-shin-bet-move-is-watched-by-its-legal-team-1.247732 The 'torture police' - Every Shin Bet move is watched by its legal team], ''Haaretz, 12 June 2008.</ref> | + | *[[Shin Bet interrogator Sheriff|'A' or 'Sheriff']] - head c.1999.<ref name="Melman120608">Yossi Melman, [http://www.haaretz.com/the-torture-police-every-shin-bet-move-is-watched-by-its-legal-team-1.247732 The 'torture police' - Every Shin Bet move is watched by its legal team], ''Haaretz'', 12 June 2008.</ref> |
*[[Arieh Livne]] - date unknown.<ref>Mitch Ginsburg, [http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-should-free-1000-security-prisoners-says-ex-shin-bet-official/ Israel should free 1,000 security prisoners, says ex-Shin Bet official], ''The Times of Israel'', 10 June 2013.</ref> | *[[Arieh Livne]] - date unknown.<ref>Mitch Ginsburg, [http://www.timesofisrael.com/israel-should-free-1000-security-prisoners-says-ex-shin-bet-official/ Israel should free 1,000 security prisoners, says ex-Shin Bet official], ''The Times of Israel'', 10 June 2013.</ref> | ||
====Legal Advisors==== | ====Legal Advisors==== | ||
| − | *[[Shabtai Ziv]] - Chief legal advisor c.1999.<ref name="Melman120608" | + | *[[Shabtai Ziv]] - Chief legal advisor c.1999.<ref name="Melman120608"/> |
| − | *[[Aryeh Roter]] - Chief legal advisor c.1999.<ref name="Melman120608" | + | *[[Aryeh Roter]] - Chief legal advisor c.1999.<ref name="Melman120608"/> |
*[[Eli Bachar]] | *[[Eli Bachar]] | ||
*[[Dani Geva]] | *[[Dani Geva]] | ||
====Training Division==== | ====Training Division==== | ||
| − | *[[Yaakov Peri]], head 1975-1978.<ref name="PeriBio" | + | *[[Yaakov Peri]], head 1975-1978.<ref name="PeriBio"/> |
*[[Carmi Gillon]], head 1989-1990. | *[[Carmi Gillon]], head 1989-1990. | ||
| − | *'A.B' c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002" | + | *[[Shin Bet officer A.B.|'A.B']] c.1995.<ref name="Melman181002"/> |
===Regional Commands=== | ===Regional Commands=== | ||
| Line 157: | Line 192: | ||
*[[Reuven Paz]] former head of Research | *[[Reuven Paz]] former head of Research | ||
*[[Alan Moss]] - head of international relations, c.2009.<ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2702&q=shin-bet Deputy Secretary Raises Transit Of Gaza Students With Shin Bet: Followup], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 11 December 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.</ref> | *[[Alan Moss]] - head of international relations, c.2009.<ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2702&q=shin-bet Deputy Secretary Raises Transit Of Gaza Students With Shin Bet: Followup], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 11 December 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.</ref> | ||
| − | *Col. [[Nir Press]] - Shin Bet attendee, Rafah Security Working Group, 2007.<ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=07JERUSALEM704&q=shin-bet Rafah Security Working Group Meeting], US Consulate Jerusalem, 19 April 2007, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.</ref> | + | *Col. [[Nir Press]] - [[Shin Bet]] attendee, [[Rafah Security Working Group]], 2007.<ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=07JERUSALEM704&q=shin-bet Rafah Security Working Group Meeting], US Consulate Jerusalem, 19 April 2007, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.</ref> |
| − | *"Shimon" - advisor to NSC Counterterrorism Bureau Director General, c.2006.<ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=06TELAVIV3732&q=shin-bet Israeli Ct Officials Discuss Israel-hizballah War, U.s.-israel Ct Cooperation], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 19 September 2006, unredacted publication by Wikileaks, 8 September 2011.</ref> | + | *[[Shin Bet officer Shimon|"Shimon"]] - advisor to [[NSC Counterterrorism Bureau]] Director General, c.2006.<ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=06TELAVIV3732&q=shin-bet Israeli Ct Officials Discuss Israel-hizballah War, U.s.-israel Ct Cooperation], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 19 September 2006, unredacted publication by Wikileaks, 8 September 2011.</ref> |
| − | *[[Szymon Rosenberg]], Shin Bet representative at 2006 meeting between National Security Advisor and US diplomat [[Henry Crumpton]]. <ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=06TELAVIV1083&q=shin-bet Jcg: Israel Nsc's 2/23 Session With S/ct Amb. Crumpton], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 17 March, 2006, unredacted publication by Wikileaks, 8 September 2011.</ref> | + | *[[Szymon Rosenberg]], [[Shin Bet]] representative at 2006 meeting between National Security Advisor and US diplomat [[Henry Crumpton]]. <ref>[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=06TELAVIV1083&q=shin-bet Jcg: Israel Nsc's 2/23 Session With S/ct Amb. Crumpton], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 17 March, 2006, unredacted publication by Wikileaks, 8 September 2011.</ref> |
*[[Arnon Vinceze]] - liaison officer, c.2004.<ref name="050304C">[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=04TELAVIV1392&q=shin-bet Goi Info On Ramallah Bank Raid], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 5 March 2004, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.</ref> | *[[Arnon Vinceze]] - liaison officer, c.2004.<ref name="050304C">[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=04TELAVIV1392&q=shin-bet Goi Info On Ramallah Bank Raid], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 5 March 2004, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.</ref> | ||
| − | *[[Ilan Kosanivich]] - liaison officer, c.2004.<ref name="050304C" | + | *[[Ilan Kosanivich]] - liaison officer, c.2004.<ref name="050304C"/> |
*[[Yekutiel Hadar]] Former Chief Legal Counsel for the Northern District<ref name="MannMairone">Mann Mairone's private anti-terrorist squad, ''Intelligence Online'', 8 April 2010.</ref> | *[[Yekutiel Hadar]] Former Chief Legal Counsel for the Northern District<ref name="MannMairone">Mann Mairone's private anti-terrorist squad, ''Intelligence Online'', 8 April 2010.</ref> | ||
| − | *[[Peri Golan]] - former director of the agency's counter-terrorism division, later head of its southern region.<ref name="MannMairone" | + | *[[Peri Golan]] - former director of the agency's counter-terrorism division, later head of its southern region.<ref name="MannMairone"/> |
| − | *[[Nechama Aloni]] - former desk researcher, Aloni in charge of liaising between the Israeli intelligence services and the U.S. Department of Justice during the course of several counter-terrorism investigations, notably on the finances of [[Hamas]] and [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]].<ref name="MannMairone" | + | *[[Nechama Aloni]] - former desk researcher, Aloni in charge of liaising between the Israeli intelligence services and the U.S. [[US Department of Justice|Department of Justice]] during the course of several counter-terrorism investigations, notably on the finances of [[Hamas]] and [[Palestinian Islamic Jihad]].<ref name="MannMairone"/> |
| − | *[[Ronit Ashkenazi]] - Head of Education.<ref name="Melman181002" | + | *[[Ronit Ashkenazi]] - Head of Education.<ref name="Melman181002"/> |
| − | *[[Shabtai Ziv]] - Legal adviser.<ref name="Melman181002"> | + | *[[Shabtai Ziv]] - Legal adviser.<ref name="Melman181002"/> |
| − | + | *[[Shin Bet officer Y.S.|Y.S.]] Head of [[Yitzhak Rabin]]'s protection team.<ref name="Melman181002"/> | |
| − | *[[Yoram Rubin]] - Yitzhak Rabin's bodyguard.<ref name="Melman181002" | + | *[[Yoram Rubin]] - [[Yitzhak Rabin]]'s bodyguard.<ref name="Melman181002"/> |
*[[Lior Akerman]] - Former division chief.<ref>Lior Akerman, [http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-Ed-Contributors/Should-the-Shin-Bet-be-heard Should the Shin Bet be heard?], 14 March 2013.</ref> | *[[Lior Akerman]] - Former division chief.<ref>Lior Akerman, [http://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Op-Ed-Contributors/Should-the-Shin-Bet-be-heard Should the Shin Bet be heard?], 14 March 2013.</ref> | ||
*[[Dan Vesely]] - Former head of the Vetting Division, Human Resources Department.<ref>[http://www.sdemagroup.com/Team.aspx?t=287 Dan Vesely], Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.</ref> | *[[Dan Vesely]] - Former head of the Vetting Division, Human Resources Department.<ref>[http://www.sdemagroup.com/Team.aspx?t=287 Dan Vesely], Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.</ref> | ||
| Line 177: | Line 212: | ||
*[[Avner Barnea]] | *[[Avner Barnea]] | ||
*[[Zadok Ophir]] | *[[Zadok Ophir]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Reuven Rivlin with Yoram Cohen and Nadav Argaman (1) - Powerbase.jpg|thumb|right|300px|alt=Reuven Rivlin, Yoram Cohen and Nadav Argaman|[[Reuven Rivlin]] with [[Yoram Cohen]] and [[Nadav Argaman]] at the 2016 leadership transition.]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Contact== | ||
| + | *Website: [https://www.shabak.gov.il/ Israel Security Agency]. | ||
==External Resources== | ==External Resources== | ||
| − | *BBC Online [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1791564.stm Profile: Israel's Shin Bet agency] Wednesday, 30 January, 2002, 14:41 GMT. | + | *[[BBC|BBC Online]] [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/1791564.stm Profile: Israel's Shin Bet agency] Wednesday, 30 January, 2002, 14:41 GMT. |
| − | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=06TELAVIV4349&q=shin-bet Palestinian And Israeli Security Cooperation], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 1 November 2006, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011. | + | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=06TELAVIV4349&q=shin-bet Palestinian And Israeli Security Cooperation], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 1 November 2006, published by [[Wikileaks]], 1 September 2011. |
| − | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2050&q=shin-bet Idf Southern Command And Shin Bet Briefings On Gaza For Codel Gillibrand], Us Embassy Tel Aviv, 16 September 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011. | + | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2050&q=shin-bet Idf Southern Command And Shin Bet Briefings On Gaza For Codel Gillibrand], Us Embassy Tel Aviv, 16 September 2009, published by [[Wikileaks]], 1 September 2011. |
| − | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2410&q=shin-bet Israeli Security Services Arrest "jewish Terrorist"], US Embassy, 2 November 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011. | + | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2410&q=shin-bet Israeli Security Services Arrest "jewish Terrorist"], US Embassy, 2 November 2009, published by [[Wikileaks]], 1 September 2011. |
| − | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2446&q=shin-bet Hamas Facing Severe Funding Shortages], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 6 November 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011. | + | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2446&q=shin-bet Hamas Facing Severe Funding Shortages], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 6 November 2009, published by [[Wikileaks]], 1 September 2011. |
| − | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09JERUSALEM2098&q=shin-bet Six Palestinian Authority Intelligence Personnel Detained, Then Released By Idf], US Consulate Jerusalem, 23 November 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011. | + | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09JERUSALEM2098&q=shin-bet Six Palestinian Authority Intelligence Personnel Detained, Then Released By Idf], US Consulate Jerusalem, 23 November 2009, published by [[Wikileaks]], 1 September 2011. |
| − | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2830&q=shin-bet Israel Defends December 26 Nablus Raid], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 29 December 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011. | + | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=09TELAVIV2830&q=shin-bet Israel Defends December 26 Nablus Raid], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 29 December 2009, published by [[Wikileaks]], 1 September 2011. |
| − | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=10TELAVIV413&q=shin-bet Shin Bet Talks Gaza Economics], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 22 February 2010, unredacted version published by Wikileaks, 8 September | + | *[http://www.cablegatesearch.net/cable.php?id=10TELAVIV413&q=shin-bet Shin Bet Talks Gaza Economics], US Embassy Tel Aviv, 22 February 2010, unredacted version published by [[Wikileaks]], 8 September 2011. |
| − | *Amos Harel, [http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/shin-bet-applied-legitimate-methods-to-probe-jewish-terrorist-security-sources-say-1.302215 Shin Bet applied 'legitimate' methods to probe Jewish terrorist, security sources say], ''Haaretz'', 15 July 2010. | + | *[[Amos Harel]], [http://www.haaretz.com/news/national/shin-bet-applied-legitimate-methods-to-probe-jewish-terrorist-security-sources-say-1.302215 Shin Bet applied 'legitimate' methods to probe Jewish terrorist, security sources say], ''[[Haaretz]]'', 15 July 2010. |
| − | *Amira Hass, [http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/shin-bet-tortures-prisoners-and-denies-access-to-lawyers-1.333450 'Shin Bet tortures prisoners and denies access to lawyers'], ''Haaretz'', 28 December 2010. | + | *[[Amira Hass]], [http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/shin-bet-tortures-prisoners-and-denies-access-to-lawyers-1.333450 'Shin Bet tortures prisoners and denies access to lawyers'], ''[[Haaretz]]'', 28 December 2010. |
| − | *Samuel Burke, [http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/28/six-israeli-security-chiefs-stun-the-world/ Six Israeli security chiefs stun the world], ''Amanpour'', CNN.com, 28 January 2012. | + | *[[Samuel Burke]], [http://amanpour.blogs.cnn.com/2013/01/28/six-israeli-security-chiefs-stun-the-world/ Six Israeli security chiefs stun the world], ''Amanpour'', CNN.com, 28 January 2012. |
==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
Revision as of 08:03, 7 November 2026
| Shin Bet / Israel Security Agency
| |
|---|---|
| Logo |  David Zini, photographed in 2023; service director from 5 October 2025. [1] |
| Type | Counterintelligence and internal security service |
| Founded | June 1948, following reorganisation of Shai. [2] |
| Status | Government service; prime minister responsible on behalf of the government. [3] |
| Location | Israel |
| Area served | Israel; responsibility for the occupied territories assigned in June 1967.[4] |
| Services | Security intelligence; counterterrorism; counterespionage; protective security; security assessments. [3] |
| Key people | David Zini — director from 5 October 2025. [1] |
| Website | shabak.gov.il |
| Remarks | Also known as Shabak, General Security Agency and Sherut ha-Bitachon ha-Klali. Sister services: Mossad and Aman. Legal basis: General Security Service Law, 5762–2002. [3] |
The Israel Security Agency (ISA) or General Security Agency, known in Hebrew as Shabak (an abbreviation for Sherut ha-Bitachon ha-Klali) or Shin Bet, is the Israeli counterintelligence and internal security service.[5]
History
The Shin Bet was founded as Israel's domestic security service in June 1948, when the new state's intelligence community was organised out of Shai, the intelligence wing of the Haganah militia.[2]
A meeting of the Varash committee of intelligence chiefs on 19 June 1967 gave Shin Bet responsibility for internal security in the occupied territories conquered in the Six Day War.[4]
Bus 300 Affair
In 1984, two detained Palestinian hijackers were beaten to death by agents in what became known as the Bus 300 Affair. A government report later revealed that the Shin Bet chief at the time, Avraham Shalom, had ordered the two Palestinians killed and then attempted to cover this up.[6]
Izzat Nafsu case
In 1987, Shin Bet was found to have extracted a false confession of espionage from an Israeli army officer Izzat Nafsu, who had been sentenced to 18 years’ imprisonment. He actually served about seven years before the Supreme Court of Israel overturned the espionage and treason conviction in May 1987. Under a plea agreement, he admitted failing to report contacts with senior Palestine Liberation Organisation officials and received a two-year sentence, counted as already served. [7][6]
Landau Commission
Following the Nafsu case a Commission was appointed under supreme court judge Moshe Landau to investigate the intelligence community and its methods. While the committee was deliberating a Palestinian prisoner, Awad Hamdan, died in his cell under Shin Bet interrogation.[8]
The Commission found that Shin Bet had used "physical pressure" as a matter of course in the occupied territories, and had routinely lied to the courts during the directorships of Yosef Harmelin, Avraham Ahituv and Avraham Shalom.[9]
Rabin Assassination
Following the assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin by a right-wing extremist in 1995, the head of Shin Bet, Carmi Gillon resigned.[6] A Shin Bet agent inside the right-wing, Avishai Raviv, was later acquitted of failing to prevent the assassination.[10]
Interrogation ruling, 1999
On 6 September 1999, the Supreme Court of Israel, sitting as the High Court of Justice, ruled that the General Security Service lacked authority to use physical interrogation methods including shaking, the ‘shabah’ position and the ‘frog crouch’. The ‘necessity’ defence could not serve as advance legal authorisation for such methods; the court distinguished that question from whether an individual interrogator might invoke the defence in a subsequent prosecution. [11]
Legal role and oversight
The General Security Service Law, 5762–2002, places the service under the authority of the government, with the prime minister responsible on its behalf. Section 7 defines its mission as protecting state security and the democratic order and institutions against terrorism, sabotage, subversion, espionage and disclosure of state secrets. Functions include security intelligence, protective security, security assessments and other activities authorised through the statutory framework. [3]
The law establishes a ministerial committee and a Knesset Service Affairs Committee drawn from the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. It also provides for an internal service comptroller and reporting to the prime minister and parliamentary committee. This statutory framework does not negate the historical controversies described above. [3]
Leadership transition, 2025
Ronen Bar left office in June 2025 following a dispute with Benjamin Netanyahu over his removal and the appointment of a successor. His deputy, publicly identified only as ‘S’ or the Hebrew initial ‘Shin’, became acting director at midnight on 15–16 June. David Zini took office on 5 October 2025 after legal challenges delayed the appointment. [12] [1]
Reporting on the appointment distinguished objections to the selection process and concerns about the agency’s independence from assessments of Zini’s military record. Isaac Herzog and Benny Gantz were among officials who argued that he should be given a fair opportunity to perform the role. Bar’s allegations about pressure to misuse surveillance powers were allegations, not findings made by this article. [1]
In a 3 September 2026 account, the Jerusalem Post reported that the High Court of Justice had rejected the substantive challenge to Zini’s appointment in December 2025 by two votes to one. Isaac Amit dissented, favouring further examination by the appointments committee rather than immediate cancellation; Noam Sohlberg and David Mintz found no basis for intervention. The later September 2026 order required the former officials who petitioned to disclose their identities to Zini, while maintaining the ban on public disclosure.[13]
Structure and Personnel
Paul Todd and Jonathan Bloch described three operational departments and five for operational support in 2003. The organisational descriptions and historical appointments below are tied to their cited periods, not a verified 2026 establishment.[14]
Directors
- Isser Harel 1948-52
- Izi Dorot 1952-53
- Amos Manor 1953-63
- Yosef Harmelin 1964-74, 1986-88
- Avraham Ahituv 1974-80
- Avraham Ben-Dor 1980-86
- Yaakov Peri 1988-94
- Carmi Gillon 1995-96
- Ami Ayalon 1996-2000
- Avi Dichter 2000-05[15]
- Yuval Diskin 2005[16]-2011
- Yoram Cohen 2011–8 May 2016. [17]
- Nadav Argaman — 8 May 2016–13 October 2021; appointed senior advisor to Cognyte in January 2025.[18] [19] [20]
- Ronen Bar — 13 October 2021–June 2025. [20] [12]
- ‘S’ (‘Shin’) — acting director, June–5 October 2025. [12] [1]
- David Zini — from 5 October 2025; also identified as service chief in reporting dated September 2026. [1][13] [21]
Deputy Directors
- Amos Manor 1952-1953[22]
- Yosef Harmelin 1960-1964.[23]
- Reuven Hazak c.1985.[24]
- Yossi Ginossar c.1987.[25]
- Yaakov Peri 1987-1988[26]
- Gideon Ezra 1994-95.[27]
- Israel Hasson 1997-1999.
- Avi Dichter 1999-2000.[28]
- Yuval Diskin 2000-03.
- Offer Dekel c.2005.
- Nadav Argaman c.2013[29]
Operations Division
According to journalists Dan Raviv and Yossi Melman, the Operations Division in the early years of Shin Bet had three departments, Arab Affairs, Non-Arab Affairs, and Protective Security.[30] Given Avraham Ben-Dor's move from head of operations to head of security in 1972, it is possible that security became an independent division at some point. [31]
- Rafi Eitan c.1952.
- Avraham Ben-Dor 1959-c.1972[31]
- Uzi Berger - Date not known.[32]
- Rafi Malka - Date not known.[32]
- Ehud Yatom c.1984.[33]
Arab Affairs
The department of Arab Affairs is responsible for counter-terrorism, counter-subversion and monitoring 'Arab militants'. Its Henza detachments work with Aman Mista'averim units in occupied territories and some neighboring states.[14]
- Avraham Ahituv, head c.1967.[34]
- Nachman Tal c.1980s.
- Yuval Diskin c.1994.
Counter-terrorism Department
- Yuval Diskin 1990-93.
Non-Arab Affairs
The department of Non-Arab Affairs has a wider counter-intelligence role which includes monitoring immigrants and foreign diplomatic missions.[14] At one time it was divided into communist and non-communist departments.[6] Its role includes responsibility for the Jewish Division.[35]
- Amos Manor, head c.1950.[22]
- "K" - c.2010.[35]
Jewish Division
The Jewish division is responsible for investigating subversive activity by far right Jewish militants.[36]
- Carmi Gillon 1982-1987
- 'D' -c.2000-05[37]
- Avigdor Arieli - alleged to be head of the Jewish Division c.2010.[38]
Protective Security
The protective security department is responsible for protecting strategic infrastructure and for the El Al airline.[14]
Heads of Protective Security
- Avraham Ben-Dor 1972-c.1980[31]
- Savinoam Avivi - Date not known.[32]
- Peleg Radai c.1985.[24]
- Ehud Yatom.[39]
- Dror Yitzhaki c.1995.[40]
- Avi Dichter 1996-1999.[28]
- Doron Bergerbest c.2004.[41]
Deputy Heads of Protective Security
Heads of Protective Security in Europe
- Rafi Malka - Date not known.[32]
- Eytan Ben-David - Date not known.[43]
VIP Security Unit
- Benny Lahav - Head of VIP Security Unit c.1995.[40]
- 'A.T' - Head of the Unit c.1995.[40]
- Shlomo Harnoy - Head c.2003.[44]
- Eytan Ben-David - Head - Date not known.[43]
- Haggai Tal Head of Operations c.1995.[40]
- 'A.E.' Head of Operations c.1995.[40]
- Dror Mor - Deputy Head of the Operations Unit and Head of the Foreign Bureau.[45]
El-Al Security
- Shmuel Sasson - former head of El-Al Security.[42]
- Eytan Ben-David - head - Date not known.[43]
Support Divisions
Support branch departments have included administration, interrogation and legal counsel, technology, co-ordination and planning, and logistics.[30]
Administrative Division
- Rafi Malka Date not known.[32]
- Ehud Yatom Date not known.[39]
- Carmi Gillon 1993-1994.[46]
Interrogation and Legal Counsel Division
- Zvi Aharoni - head c.1956
- Victor Cohen - head c.1959
- 'A' or 'Sheriff' - head c.1999.[47]
- Arieh Livne - date unknown.[48]
Legal Advisors
- Shabtai Ziv - Chief legal advisor c.1999.[47]
- Aryeh Roter - Chief legal advisor c.1999.[47]
- Eli Bachar
- Dani Geva
Training Division
- Yaakov Peri, head 1975-1978.[26]
- Carmi Gillon, head 1989-1990.
- 'A.B' c.1995.[40]
Regional Commands
Northern Command
- Yaakov Peri 1978-1981
- Carmi Gillon
Central Command
- Yaacov Caroz c.1951
- Possibly Avraham Ben-Dor 1952-1954
- Yehuda Arbel c.1967.
- Yaakov Peri 1981-1987
- Yuval Diskin 1997-2000.
- Offer Dekel c.2000.
Southern Command
- Nachman Tal c.1970s
- Avi Dichter 1992-1996
- Arieh Livne c.2001.
Miscellaneous Staff
- Reuven Paz former head of Research
- Alan Moss - head of international relations, c.2009.[49]
- Col. Nir Press - Shin Bet attendee, Rafah Security Working Group, 2007.[50]
- "Shimon" - advisor to NSC Counterterrorism Bureau Director General, c.2006.[51]
- Szymon Rosenberg, Shin Bet representative at 2006 meeting between National Security Advisor and US diplomat Henry Crumpton. [52]
- Arnon Vinceze - liaison officer, c.2004.[53]
- Ilan Kosanivich - liaison officer, c.2004.[53]
- Yekutiel Hadar Former Chief Legal Counsel for the Northern District[54]
- Peri Golan - former director of the agency's counter-terrorism division, later head of its southern region.[54]
- Nechama Aloni - former desk researcher, Aloni in charge of liaising between the Israeli intelligence services and the U.S. Department of Justice during the course of several counter-terrorism investigations, notably on the finances of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.[54]
- Ronit Ashkenazi - Head of Education.[40]
- Shabtai Ziv - Legal adviser.[40]
- Y.S. Head of Yitzhak Rabin's protection team.[40]
- Yoram Rubin - Yitzhak Rabin's bodyguard.[40]
- Lior Akerman - Former division chief.[55]
- Dan Vesely - Former head of the Vetting Division, Human Resources Department.[56]
- Oded Raz - Former head of Cyber-terrorism Unit.[42]
- Amir Takomi[57]
- Ami Golan[58]
- Ram Gilad[59]
- Avner Barnea
- Zadok Ophir
_-_Powerbase.jpg)
Contact
- Website: Israel Security Agency.
External Resources
- BBC Online Profile: Israel's Shin Bet agency Wednesday, 30 January, 2002, 14:41 GMT.
- Palestinian And Israeli Security Cooperation, US Embassy Tel Aviv, 1 November 2006, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- Idf Southern Command And Shin Bet Briefings On Gaza For Codel Gillibrand, Us Embassy Tel Aviv, 16 September 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- Israeli Security Services Arrest "jewish Terrorist", US Embassy, 2 November 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- Hamas Facing Severe Funding Shortages, US Embassy Tel Aviv, 6 November 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- Six Palestinian Authority Intelligence Personnel Detained, Then Released By Idf, US Consulate Jerusalem, 23 November 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- Israel Defends December 26 Nablus Raid, US Embassy Tel Aviv, 29 December 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- Shin Bet Talks Gaza Economics, US Embassy Tel Aviv, 22 February 2010, unredacted version published by Wikileaks, 8 September 2011.
- Amos Harel, Shin Bet applied 'legitimate' methods to probe Jewish terrorist, security sources say, Haaretz, 15 July 2010.
- Amira Hass, 'Shin Bet tortures prisoners and denies access to lawyers', Haaretz, 28 December 2010.
- Samuel Burke, Six Israeli security chiefs stun the world, Amanpour, CNN.com, 28 January 2012.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Yonah Jeremy Bob, Netanyahu holds first working meeting with new Shin Bet chief David Zini, The Jerusalem Post, 5 October 2025, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community, Houghton Mifflin, 1991, pp.16-18.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 State of Israel, General Security Service Law, 5762–2002, English translation reproduced by VERTIC, 11 February 2002, sections 2–7, 12–14, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel’s Intelligence Community, Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.168.
- ↑ Shabak/Shin Bet/Israel Security Agency/Sherut ha-Bitachon ha-Klali, Federation of American Scientists, accessed 9 May 2009.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Profile: Israel's Shin Bet agency Wednesday, 30 January, 2002.
- ↑ Jewish Telegraphic Agency, Shin Bet, Its Evience Discredited in IDF Officer’s Case, Under Scrutiny, JTA, 26 May 1987, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community, Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.296.
- ↑ Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community, Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.297.
- ↑ Moshe Reinfeld, Avishai Raviv acquitted of having failed to prevent Rabin assassination, Haaretz, 30 July 2013.
- ↑ Supreme Court of Israel, HCJ 5100/94, Public Committee Against Torture in Israel and others v. Government of Israel and others, Judgment reproduced and summarised by HaMoked, 6 September 1999, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 Yonah Jeremy Bob, ‘S’ takes over as acting Shin Bet chief from Ronen Bar, The Jerusalem Post, 15 June 2025, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 Sarah Ben-Nun, High Court orders former Shin Bet officials who challenged Zini appointment to reveal names, The Jerusalem Post, 3 September 2026, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ 14.0 14.1 14.2 14.3 Paul Todd and Jonathan Bloch, Global Intelligence: The World's Secret Services Today, Zed Books, 2003, p.153.
- ↑ ISA Directors Then and Now, ISA Security Agency (Shin Bet), accessed 9 April 2009.
- ↑ Yuval Diskin appointed ISA Director, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 10 February 2005.
- ↑ Netanyahu appoints Yoram Cohen as Israel's next Shin Bet chief, Haaretz, 28 March 2011.
- ↑ Cognyte Software Ltd., Cognyte Appoints Nadav Argaman, Former Director of the Israel Security Agency, as Senior Advisor, 7 January 2025, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ Herb Keinon, As he leaves Shin Bet Yoram Cohen thanks anonymous ‘helpers’, The Jerusalem Post, 8 May 2016, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ 20.0 20.1 Yonah Jeremy Bob, New Shin Bet head: Ready to take on Iran, Israeli-Arab violence, The Jerusalem Post, 13 October 2021, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ Itamar Eichner, Mossad changes chiefs: Barnea’s legacy and Gofman’s challenges, Ynetnews, undated, accessed 7 November 2026.
- ↑ 22.0 22.1 Efrat Weiss, Former Shin Bet chief Amos Manor dies, age 89, Ynet, 5 August 2007.
- ↑ Yosef Harmelin, Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012.
- ↑ 24.0 24.1 Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community, Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.284.
- ↑ Ephraim Kahana, 'Historical Dictionary of Israeli intelligence', Scarecrow Press, 2006, p.100.
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Yaakov Peri, Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012.
- ↑ Lahav Harkov, Kadima MK Gideon Ezra dies of lung cancer at 74, Jerusalem Post, 17 May 2012.
- ↑ 28.0 28.1 Avid Dichter, Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012
- ↑ Richard Silverstein, Deputy Shin Bet, WMD Chiefs Named (and Their Favorite Beverages), Tikun Olam, 13 March 2013.
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community, Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.50.
- ↑ 31.0 31.1 31.2 Avraham (Shalom) Ben-Dor , Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012.
- ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 32.4 Report of Internal GSS Committee on Rabin Assassination, 8 November 1995, archived by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- ↑ Ephraim Kahana, 'Historical Dictionary of Israeli intelligence', Scarecrow Press, 2006, p.112.
- ↑ Yossi Melman and Dan Raviv, Every Spy a Prince: The Secret History of Israel's Intelligence Community, Houghton Mifflin, 1991, p.169.
- ↑ 35.0 35.1 Tomer Zarchin and Amos Harel, Shin Bet deputy suspended for role in lover's promotion, Haaretz, 9 June 2010.
- ↑ J.J. Goldberg, IDF Probe: Troops' Hands Tied Controlling Rightist Jewish Extremism, forward.com, 27 June 2011.
- ↑ Mitch Ginsburg, Outwitted by a bunch of 12-year-olds, The Times of Israel, 19 June 2013.
- ↑ Richard Silverstein, Jewish Terrorist, Charged With Multiple Palestinian Murders, ‘Outs’ Chief of Shin Bet’s Jewish Terror Department, Tikun Olam, 16 July 2010.
- ↑ 39.0 39.1 Alan Sipress, Two Hijackers Were Taken Alive. A Photo Proved It. Israeli's Account Of Killing Arabs Renews A Scandal, Philadelphia Inquirer, 13 August 1996.
- ↑ 40.0 40.1 40.2 40.3 40.4 40.5 40.6 40.7 40.8 40.9 Yossi Melman, Nothing succeeds like abject failure, Haaretz, 18 October 2002.
- ↑ Israeli Security Services Tell Codel Talent That Interagency Connectivity Is Key In The Fight Against Terror, US Embassy Tel Aviv, 21 December 2004, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- ↑ 42.0 42.1 42.2 LECTURES, Four Troop, accessed 29 July 2013.
- ↑ 43.0 43.1 43.2 43.3 Veteran Shin Bet official appointed Israel's head of Counter-Terrorism Bureau, BBC Monitoring International Reports, 2 March 2012, archived at accessmylibrary.com.
- ↑ Shlomo Harnoy, Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.
- ↑ Dror Mor, Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.
- ↑ Carmi Gillon, Israel Security Agency, accessed 24 July 2012.
- ↑ 47.0 47.1 47.2 Yossi Melman, The 'torture police' - Every Shin Bet move is watched by its legal team, Haaretz, 12 June 2008.
- ↑ Mitch Ginsburg, Israel should free 1,000 security prisoners, says ex-Shin Bet official, The Times of Israel, 10 June 2013.
- ↑ Deputy Secretary Raises Transit Of Gaza Students With Shin Bet: Followup, US Embassy Tel Aviv, 11 December 2009, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- ↑ Rafah Security Working Group Meeting, US Consulate Jerusalem, 19 April 2007, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- ↑ Israeli Ct Officials Discuss Israel-hizballah War, U.s.-israel Ct Cooperation, US Embassy Tel Aviv, 19 September 2006, unredacted publication by Wikileaks, 8 September 2011.
- ↑ Jcg: Israel Nsc's 2/23 Session With S/ct Amb. Crumpton, US Embassy Tel Aviv, 17 March, 2006, unredacted publication by Wikileaks, 8 September 2011.
- ↑ 53.0 53.1 Goi Info On Ramallah Bank Raid, US Embassy Tel Aviv, 5 March 2004, published by Wikileaks, 1 September 2011.
- ↑ 54.0 54.1 54.2 Mann Mairone's private anti-terrorist squad, Intelligence Online, 8 April 2010.
- ↑ Lior Akerman, Should the Shin Bet be heard?, 14 March 2013.
- ↑ Dan Vesely, Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.
- ↑ Amir Takomi, Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.
- ↑ Ami Golan, Sdema Group, acccessed 28 July 2013.
- ↑ Pillar Team, Pillar Group, accessed 29 July 2013.