Israel appoints new head of Mossad

JERUSALEM - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to appoint Tamir Pardo as head of the Mossad intelligence agency, replacing Meir Dagan, who steps down after eight years in the post.

A statement issued by Netanyahu’s office praised Pardo as “the right person to lead the Mossad in the coming years in light of the complex challenges facing the state of Israel”.

Pardo is a long-time Mossad official, and recently served as Dagan’s deputy, after holding senior and operational positions.

The appointment still has to be approved by a committee which oversees appointments to senior public service positions.