Agency name: Shin Bet (aka Israel Security Agency)

Creation Date: February 8, 1949

Legal Act: Israeli Law, Authorization and Organization Law of the Shin Bet

Location of Headquarters: Tel Aviv, Israel

Person in Charge: (2023) Director (name not disclosed)

Number of Employees: (classified) – estimated to be over 5,000

Annual Budget: (classified) – estimated to be over $1 billion USD

Website: www.shabak.gov.il

Mission Statement: To safeguard Israel's national security by countering internal threats, conducting counterterrorism operations, and gathering intelligence.

Stated Principles: Dedication, Vigilance, Professionalism

Collection type: HUMINT (Human Intelligence) with support from SIGINT (Signals Intelligence) and other sources

Organization type: Governmental

Oversight Body: Prime Minister's Office, Government of Israel

Area of Operations: Primarily within Israel's borders, focusing on domestic security and counterterrorism efforts.

 

Powers: Shin Bet is authorized to collect intelligence, conduct covert operations, and protect national security interests within Israel. The agency has the authority to investigate and prevent internal threats, counter terrorism, and gather intelligence through various means.

Brief History: Shin Bet was established on February 8, 1949, shortly after the creation of the State of Israel. It was founded to address the immediate security challenges faced by the nation and has since evolved into a comprehensive intelligence agency. Over the years, Shin Bet has played a critical role in countering terrorism, conducting investigations, and ensuring the internal security of Israel.

Notable Operations:
1.    Operation Wrath of God: In response to the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, where Palestinian terrorists killed 11 Israeli athletes, Shin Bet played a significant role in Operation Wrath of God. The operation aimed to track down and eliminate individuals involved in the attack, serving as a message to those who targeted Israeli citizens.

2.    Preventing Bus 300 Hijacking: In 1984, Shin Bet successfully thwarted the hijacking of Bus 300 by Palestinian militants. The operation involved rescuing the hostages and neutralizing the hijackers, demonstrating Shin Bet's dedication to protecting innocent lives and maintaining national security.

3.    Foiling the Plot to Assassinate Israeli Officials: In 2020, Shin Bet uncovered and disrupted a plot by Palestinian terrorists to carry out multiple high-profile assassinations of Israeli officials. The agency's intelligence gathering, and operational capabilities allowed them to prevent these attacks, ensuring the safety of key individuals and the stability of the country.