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The Mossad (which means "The Institute" in Hebrew) is Israel's national intelligence agency. Its full name is the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations.

The Mossad's main job is to gather secret information and carry out special, often hidden, missions. It works alongside other important Israeli security groups, like Aman (military intelligence) and Shin Bet (internal security). However, the Mossad's director reports directly to the Prime Minister.

Hatzerim 201206 MiG21
A MiG-21 jet at the Israeli Air Force Museum in Hatzerim

What is the Mossad?

The Mossad is one of the most well-known intelligence agencies in the world. It was created in 1949 to protect Israel's security. Its main goal is to collect information from outside Israel's borders. This helps the country stay safe from threats.

What Does the Mossad Do?

The Mossad has several important tasks. These include gathering secret information and performing special operations.

Gathering Intelligence

One of the Mossad's key roles is to collect intelligence. This means finding out important information about other countries or groups. They look for details that could affect Israel's safety. This information helps leaders make good decisions.

Special Operations

The Mossad also carries out special, secret missions. These operations are often done without anyone knowing. They can involve many different activities. The goal is always to protect Israel's interests and its people.

How is the Mossad Organized?

The Mossad is a very organized agency. It has different departments that handle specific tasks.

Leadership and Reporting

The head of the Mossad is called the Director. This person is chosen by the Prime Minister of Israel. The Director reports directly to the Prime Minister. This shows how important the Mossad is to the country's leadership.

Working with Other Agencies

While the Mossad focuses on international intelligence, it works closely with other Israeli security groups. For example, Aman handles military intelligence. Shin Bet deals with internal security threats inside Israel. All these agencies work together to keep the country safe.

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