The change of command in the ISA (Israel Security Agency – Shin Bet) is already underway as Nadav Argaman will soon become the agency’s 13th director, replacing Yoram Cohen, who completes a five-year term.

Argaman, 55, a veteran of the organization reportedly played a role in many major operations. He worked his way up the ranks and in 2003, he became chief of operations. in 2007 he moved to the USA to serve as the ISA attaché. He also served as deputy director and then he moved to the Atomic Energy Commission.

At a weekly cabinet meeting Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu commented, “Later in the meeting we take leave of Yoram Cohen who will, today, conclude five years’ service as Director of the ISA, and decades of service and contribution to the security of the state. Yoram has been an exceptional commander – determined, focused and efficient. He concentrated on ISA missions, especially counterterrorism, intelligence gathering counter-espionage and the development of other capabilities which, under his leadership, have saved many Israeli lives. Yoram advanced the ISA very much. He upgraded these capabilities and also advanced their effectiveness in new fields, such as cyberwarfare and cyber defense. His assessments, as I can attest from countless meetings, were always realistic, substantive, well-grounded and, I would say, like all of his other activities, infused with an abiding commitment to the state and the people.

“On your behalf, I would like to salute him for outstanding service to the State of Israel and I thank him on behalf of the citizens of the State of Israel who owe him much. Perhaps one day we will be able to say more about this debt.

“Nadav Argaman will take Yoram’s place; the changeover is already underway. We have an excellent ISA and it has excellent commanders.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)