Mossad spy agency chief: Iranian threat is Israel's top priority - Shlomo Cesana

by Shlomo Cesana

At event honoring the intelligence agency, Mossad head Yossi Cohen warns Iran is seeking nuclear weapons, aggressively directing hostile forces close to Israel's borders and increasingly backing Hamas

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with Mossad chief Yossi 

Cohen, Monday     Photo: Haim Tzach / GPO 

The Mossad's top priority is dealing with the threat posed by Iran, the head of Israel's spy agency, Yossi Cohen, said Monday at a ceremony in which the intelligence organization received the Prime Minister's citation for operational achievements.

Cohen detailed the dangers emanating from Iran, saying the country was seeking nuclear capabilities for military purposes, aggressively directing military and operational forces close to Israel's borders in both Syria and in Lebanon, and increasingly supporting Hamas.

The Mossad director also touted the spy agency's achievements, saying that the organization conducts countless operations, some exceedingly complex and bold, in the heart of enemy countries.

"In the field as well as at our headquarters, we do an immense amount of work to ensure that we will win wars and future battles with our enemies," Cohen said. "The Mossad is getting stronger, internally, acquiring new capabilities in order to welcome the future with advanced technology, intelligence systems, greater strength and improved human resources."

Addressing the threat posed by the Islamic State terrorist group, Cohen warned that "the group will continue to challenge us on a daily basis with attempts to harm us, and no less important, our friends in the world."

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who also spoke at the ceremony, thanked the Mossad and its agents.

"I salute you for your initiative, daring and professionalism, both in planning [operations] and executing [them]," he said.

Within the framework of toasting the Jewish new year, Netanyahu on Monday also visited Shin Bet security agency headquarters and the IDF chief of staff forum.

"No preventative intelligence service in the world has had the kind of success the Shin Bet has had in recent years in eradicating terror," the prime minister said.

Shlomo Cesana

Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/2017/10/03/mossad-spy-agency-chief-iranian-threat-is-israels-top-priority/

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