It is being reported in Israel that the announcement by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenk that former Mossad Director Meir Dagan, 67, underwent a successful liver transplant in his country ten days ago has placed him at significant security risk. The president made the announcement at a press conference on Tuesday, 30 Tishrei 5773.

Security officials in Israel explain that in addition to respecting Dagan’s desire for privacy the surgery was kept secret due to security concerns, an awareness that Hizbullah and Iran would happily target him to avenge his actions as the director of the Mossad for many years. Israeli officials have called on Belarus to step up security for Dagan, who is recuperating.

It is being reported that he was not able to obtain a liver in Israel, being over 65, the maximum cut off age, and due to age and citizenship restrictions, he did not qualify in the United States. As he condition worsened, he was compelled to head to Belarus.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)