Itzhak Ilan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Itzhak Ilan
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יצחק אילן
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Itzhak Ilan, 2016
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| Deputy Director of the Shin-Bet | |
| In office 2010–2011 |
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| Born |
Itzhak Ilan
28 July 1956 Surami, Georgia |
| Died | 16 October 2020 (aged 64) Petah Tikva, Israel |
Itzhak Ilan (also known as Yitzhak Ilan) was an important figure in Israel's security. He was born on July 28, 1956, and passed away on October 16, 2020. Mr. Ilan worked for the Israel Security Agency (also called Shin-Bet or Shabak) from 1982 to 2012. His final role was the Deputy Director of the agency from 2010 to 2011.
Itzhak Ilan's Early Life and Career
Itzhak Ilan was born in a town called Surami in central Georgia on July 28, 1956.
Education and Moving to Israel
In the summer of 1973, Itzhak finished high school in Tbilisi. He studied physics and mathematics engineering and graduated with "cum laude" honors, which means "with excellence." Soon after, on August 17, 1973, he and his family moved to Israel and settled in Jerusalem.
Serving in the Military
From 1976 to 1980, Itzhak served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). He was part of the anti-aircraft division of the Israeli Air Force. His last job in the IDF was leading an anti-aircraft artillery battery. He reached the rank of Lieutenant.
His Passing
Itzhak Ilan died on October 16, 2020. He passed away from COVID-19 during the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic in Israel.
Working for Israel's Security Agency
In January 1982, Itzhak Ilan joined the Israel Security Agency. This agency is responsible for protecting Israel's internal security. He started in a department that worked to prevent spying.
Becoming an Investigator
In August 1985, Mr. Ilan moved to the Arab Sector of the agency. He learned the Arabic language and became a trained investigator. He then worked in the Interrogations Division in the Judea & Samaria Region, specifically in the Ramallah Unit. He was promoted to be the Chief Investigator in Ramallah and later the Deputy Chief Investigator in Judea.
Leading in Gaza
Between 1995 and 1997, Mr. Ilan was the Head of the Gaza Desk. This meant he was the main intelligence and operations officer for the Gaza Region. During this time, he played a very important role in stopping a dangerous bombmaker named Yahya Ayyash, who was a leader of Hamas.
Key Leadership Roles
Mr. Ilan worked for 31 years in the Israel Security Agency. He moved up through many important leadership positions. Here are some of his most notable roles:
Commander in Samaria
From 2000 to 2003, during the Second Intifada, Mr. Ilan was the Commander of the Israel Security Agency in Samaria. During these years, a major military operation called Operation Defensive Shield took place. This operation significantly weakened terrorist groups in Judea & Samaria.
In a 2013 interview, Mr. Ilan explained four main reasons why terrorism was successfully reduced during that time:
- "The first reason was entering town centers and refugee camps physically."
- "The second reason was the strong decision to stop terror. Within two years, terrorists were either arrested or stopped."
- "The third reason was building the separation wall, which was a physical barrier against terror."
- "And the fourth reason for the success against terror was the death of Yasser Arafat."
Chief of Interrogations
Mr. Ilan was then promoted to lead the Interrogations Division at the Israel Security Agency from 2004 to 2006. In this role, he managed special interrogation units from the Israel Security Agency, the Israel Police Force, and the Israel Defense Force. One important case he handled was questioning Elhanan Tannenbaum, an Israeli officer who was returned after being captured by the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
Preventing Terror and Espionage
After that, from 2006 to 2008, he became the Chief of the Division for Preventing Terror and Espionage in the Arab-Iranian Sector.
His last role as a Division Head was the Chief of the Israeli and Foreign Affairs Division from 2008 to 2010. This division worked to prevent terror among Jewish people, stop spying from Western countries, and protect Israel's national security secrets.
Deputy Director of the Agency
In early 2010, Mr. Ilan was appointed to a very high leadership position: Deputy Director of the Israel Security Agency. He served in this role until he retired honorably in September 2011.
Education and Aspirations
Mr. Ilan was very skilled and spoke five languages. He earned a degree "with excellence" from Bar-Ilan University, studying social science, economics, political science, and sociology. He also held a master's degree in Diplomacy and Security Studies from Tel Aviv University.
In March 2011, Mr. Ilan was considered for the top job of Director-General of the Israel Security Agency. Many people thought he would get the position, and the previous Director-General, Yuval Diskin, strongly recommended him. However, he was not chosen to lead the organization.
