MOSSAD SINCE 1949

MOSSAD

ISRAELI INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

Formally established in December 1949 as the Institute for Co-ordination, the Mossad was the successor to the intelligence arm of the Haganah (the Jewish military force in Palestine during the British mandate period).

Mossad, Mossad also spelled Mosad, in full Mossad Merkazi le-Modiin ule-Tafkidim Meyuhadim, (Hebrew: “Central Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations”), one of the three major intelligence organizations of Israel, along with Aman (military intelligence) and Shin Bet (internal security). The Mossad is concerned with foreign intelligence gathering, intelligence analysis, and covert operations.

The Mossad worked to rescue Jews from troubled countries and bring them to Israel. The most prominent of these operations was Mivtza Moshe (Operation Moses) for bringing the Jews of Ethiopia to Israel.

By nature, the Mossad was and is a key factor in the war against terror directed at Jewish and Israeli targets abroad.

Over the years, the Mossad has assumed a key role in preventing countries that pose a threat to Israel from obtaining non-conventional weapons.

The Mossad has adopted the following verse as its motto. This verse should always pave the way, encourage initiative and creativity, but also act as a severe warning sign:

"Where no wise direction is, the people fall, but in the multitude of counselors there is safety."

(Proverbs 11,14).

Following is Ben Gurion's letter ordering the establishment of the Mossad:

"Secret"

22 Kislev 5710

13 December 1949

To: The Foreign Ministry

From: The Prime Minister

Upon my instructions, an institute is being established to coordinate state intelligence agencies (the Military Intelligence Department, the Foreign Ministry State Department, the Shin Bet, etc.).

I have charged Reuven Shiloah, Foreign Ministry advisor for special projects, to organize and head the institute. Reuven Shiloah will report to me. He will act upon my instructions and will submit regular working reports to me. For administrative purposes, his office will be part of the Foreign Ministry.

I have instructed R. Shiloah to submit a manpower and budget proposal for 1950–1951 for approximately IL20,000, IL5,000 of which will be used for special operations, contingent on my prior authorization.

You are hereby requested to add this sum to the Foreign Ministry budget for 1950–1951.

(Signed) D. Ben Gurion

https://www.mossad.gov.il/eng/about/Pages/default.aspx