For Israel--more so than for any other state--an effective Intelligence
Community has been a matter of life and death. Over the past
half-century or so, Israel has created and refined what is broadly
regarded as one of the best intelligence networks in the world. It has
repeatedly undone efforts by hostile Arab neighbors to defeat it in war,
foiled countless terrorist attacks, contributed to military preparedness
and armament production, and helped millions of Jews to reach the
Promised Land. Unfortunately, it has also committed some terrible
mistakes and made blunders it can ill afford. With all of this activity,
it is no wonder so much has been written about Israeli Intelligence.
However, a handy reference work bringing the various strands together
has been sorely needed yet unavailable, until now. The Historical
Dictionary of Israeli Intelligence provides detailed information on the
various agencies, operations, important leaders and operatives, and
special aspects of tradecraft through a chronology, an introduction, a
dictionary full of cross-referenced entries, and a bibliography
suggesting further reading.