Netanyahu appoints Mossad veteran to head spy agency

29/11/2010

JERUSALEM (AFP) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday appointed Tamir Pardo, a veteran of the Mossad, to head the spy agency when its current chief steps down next month.

"Pardo served for many years in senior positions in the Mossad. In his last position he served as deputy Mossad chief," said a statement from Netanyahu's office.

Meir Dagan, the current head of the espionage agency, retires in December after eight years on the job.

"Prime Minister Netanyahu noted that Pardo has rich experience of dozens of years in the Mossad and he is sure that he is the right man to lead the organization in the next few years given the complicated challenges that face the state of Israel," the statement said.

The statement did not release any further details about Pardo, who was previously unknown to the Israeli public due to the secretive nature of his post.

Defense Minister Ehud Barak, himself a former commando and army chief, praised Pardo as a partner in many missions.

"I have known Tamir for dozens of years and we took part in many operations together," Barak said in a statement.

"He is a professional with a rich operational experience, common sense and responsibility. He is worthy and very suitable to serve as Mossad head."

Source: Ma'an News Agency.
Link: http://www.maannews.net/eng/ViewDetails.aspx?ID=337181.