Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hosted a festive gathering on Thursday evening to celebrate the Jewish New Year with various security agencies, including the Mossad, Shin Bet, and members of the IDF's General Staff. This event marked a significant moment for Israel's security apparatus and showcased the Prime Minister's commitment to recognizing and honoring their outstanding contributions.
The evening commenced with a ceremony at the Mossad's headquarters for Intelligence and Special Tasks, where Prime Minister Netanyahu presented the prestigious Prime Minister's Award to commendable operations conducted by the Mossad in 2022. In his address, Prime Minister Netanyahu stated, "I believe in you, I trust you, I trust our ability to mobilize all the resources available to us in the IDF, as well as in other branches. First and foremost, our determination as a nation not to let our wonderful story end after 3,500 years by an extreme Ayatollah regime that will threaten the entire world with nuclear weapons and intercontinental missiles."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held Rosh Hashanah toasts today with the security services: The Mossad, the ISA and the IDF General Staff Forum.https://t.co/x6eItCvlhG pic.twitter.com/GgKlri9cJO
ā Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 14, 2023
Subsequently, Prime Minister Netanyahu proceeded to the headquarters of the General Security Service, where he met with the head of the Shin Bet, Ronan Bar, and the senior management team. During this meeting, he received a comprehensive overview of innovative and groundbreaking projects and operations within the intelligence and operational realms. Additionally, the Prime Minister congratulated two new service staff members, whose ranks were equivalent to generals in the IDF, on their recent appointments.
Netanyahu praised the Shin Bet's monumental responsibilities and highlighted their remarkable achievements in safeguarding the lives of Israeli citizens. In his words, "The Shin Bet has a tremendous task, and there is also tremendous success. The task is first of all to protect the lives of Israeli citizens. The success is - how much? Close to 200 terrorists killed and over 2,000 arrested, and many hundreds of thwartings during the year. I know how you work around the clock to thwart terrorism, and then to find the murderers as well as the senders."
PM Netanyahu attended a ceremony at Mossad HQ to award the Prime Minister's Prize for operations carried out during 2022.
ā Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 14, 2023
The PM and Mossad Director Barnea awarded the prize to 4 outstanding operations that made significant strategic contributions to Israel and its citizens. pic.twitter.com/kgcS8hwdGW
Concluding his visit, Prime Minister Netanyahu convened with members of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Forum for a festive toast in honor of Rosh Hashanah and the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War. Defense Minister Yoav Galant and Chief of Staff Major General Herzi Halevi joined him in this commemorative event held in Tel Aviv.
