Meir Dagan Chief of Israeli Intelligence Country: Israel

1. New Mossad Chief Takes Office
2. A Past Marked by Controversy
3. A Career in Intelligence and Counterterrorism
4. Close Association with Ariel Sharon
5. Hopes for a New Era

New Mossad Chief Takes Office

On his inauguration, 55-year-old Meir Dagan expressed his aspiration that the activities of the Israeli intelligence organization, "befitting a secret service," would no longer become the subject of public discourse.

A Past Marked by Controversy

Dagan's appointment came amid a history of controversies surrounding Mossad. Notably, in September 1997, the agency's botched attempt to assassinate Khaled Meshal, a leader of the Palestinian Islamic resistance movement (Hamas), damaged its reputation.

A Career in Intelligence and Counterterrorism

Dagan's long career in the Israeli military and intelligence services began in 1970, when he led the "Rimon" special forces unit. During the 1990s, he served as an advisor on counterterrorism to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Close Association with Ariel Sharon

From 1996 to 1999, Dagan became close to Ariel Sharon, and in 2001, he was appointed head of a working group for ceasefire negotiations with the Palestinians, which ultimately failed.

Hopes for a New Era

Despite the challenges facing Mossad, Dagan expressed hope that he could restore its reputation and prevent future controversies from overshadowing the organization's important work.