Rafi Eitan Israeli intelligence officer, politician and statesman Date of Birth: 26.11.1926 Country: Israel

1. Rafi Eitan: A Lifetime of Intelligence and Service
2. Early Years and Military Service
3. Mossad and the Eichmann Capture
4. Leadership and Technical Innovation
5. The Pollard Affair and Lekem's Dissolution
6. Later Career and Political Activism
7. Personal Life and Legacy

Rafi Eitan: A Lifetime of Intelligence and Service

Rafi Eitan, born on November 26, 1926, in Ein Harod, Israel, dedicated his life to a remarkable career in intelligence, politics, and public service.

Early Years and Military Service

During World War II, Eitan played a pivotal role in the clandestine immigration of Jews to Palestine. He also participated in sabotage operations against the British, notably the bombing of a radar station on Mount Carmel. He served with distinction in the Palmach, an elite military unit. Following the War of Independence in 1949, he briefly retired from active duty and pursued a career in agriculture.

Mossad and the Eichmann Capture

In 1950, Eitan was recruited by Isser Harel to join the Israeli intelligence service, Shin Bet (Shabak). He subsequently transferred to Mossad in 1955, heading its operational department. In May 1960, as head of a Mossad task force, he led the successful capture of notorious Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann in Argentina.

Leadership and Technical Innovation

Eitan continued his career in Mossad, eventually becoming head of its scientific and technical department. He retired in 1972 but briefly returned to public service in 1978 as an advisor on counterterrorism to Prime Minister Ariel Sharon. In 1981, he was appointed head of Israel's counterterrorism agency, Lekem, by Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

The Pollard Affair and Lekem's Dissolution

In 1985, the arrest of Jonathan Pollard, a US Navy intelligence analyst working for Lekem, sent shockwaves through the intelligence community. Despite his role in the Pollard affair, Eitan remained in his position until 1986, when Lekem was disbanded following the revelation of Israel's nuclear capabilities by Mordechai Vanunu.

Later Career and Political Activism

After his retirement from Lekem, Eitan led the Israeli chemical company Chemicals for Israel. In 1990, he founded the pensioners' party Gil, which won seven seats in the Knesset. The party failed to enter the Knesset in the following election.

Personal Life and Legacy

Rafi Eitan married and had three children. Throughout his life, he remained a controversial figure due to his involvement in intelligence operations and political scandals. Nonetheless, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Israeli intelligence and public service.