Teddy Kollek Mayor of Jerusalem 1965-1993, intelligence officer Date of Birth: 27.05.1911 Country: Israel

1. Early Life and Political Involvement
2. The "Scorpion" Revelation
3. Collaboration with MI-5
4. Mayor of Jerusalem
5. Political Retirement and Legacy

The Man Behind the Enigma: Teddy Kollek's Secret Ties to British Intelligence

Early Life and Political Involvement

Born in Austria in 1911, Teddy Kollek moved to Palestine with his wife in 1934. He held various positions within the Haganah and the Jewish Agency, including leading the Haganah delegation in the United States. After the establishment of the State of Israel, Kollek served as ambassador to Washington, where he actively participated in fundraising campaigns for Israel.

The "Scorpion" Revelation

In the 1940s, Kollek played a crucial role in the British fight against "Zionist terrorism," according to recently declassified British intelligence documents. Codenamed "Scorpion," Kollek allegedly supplied MI-5 with vital information on the underground organizations Irgun and Lehi, including their structures, plans, and training camps.

Collaboration with MI-5

Despite denying any involvement with British intelligence, Kollek admitted in his autobiography that he had taken on the responsibility to suppress internal anarchy within Jewish resistance groups. British intelligence records reveal that he provided information that led to the arrest of dozens of underground members, the confiscation of weapons, and the prevention of multiple attacks.

Mayor of Jerusalem

Elected mayor of Jerusalem in 1965, Kollek served for 28 years. A staunch advocate of the Labor Party, he vehemently opposed the partition of Jerusalem in any peace agreement with the Palestinians, while supporting autonomous neighborhoods. Despite his popularity among residents, his outspoken nature often irritated ultra-religious circles.

Political Retirement and Legacy

In 1993, the 82-year-old Kollek lost the mayoral seat to Ehud Olmert. He retired from active politics but remained involved in Jerusalem through a foundation he established. Kollek was awarded the Israel Prize for his contributions to the development of the country.