Meet the next head of the GSS, R., whose name is forbidden in publication | Profile | Israel Today

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett announced today (Wednesday) the appointment of R. as head of the General Security Service, replacing the current GSS chief, Nadav Argaman, who will end his term in mid-October, after completing the five years provided by law and granting a request to extend His tenure is a few months

R., 55, married and a father of three, holds a bachelor's degree in political science and philosophy from Tel Aviv University and a master's degree in public administration from Harvard University, and currently serves as deputy head of the Shin Bet.

Broadcast to recruit fighters for the GSS Operations Unit

R. performed his military service in the IDF as a fighter in the General Staff Reconnaissance Regiment, and then enlisted in the GSS as a fighter in the Operations Unit. In 2016, he was appointed head of the GSS Operations Division, head of the headquarters division responsible for the organization's power building, and in 2018 was appointed deputy head of the service, a position he has held for the past two and a half years.

Over the years, a number of security awards were given to the operations led by R. and to the units he headed.

In view of his many years of experience, performance and understanding of the significant challenges facing the State of Israel in general, and before the General Security Service in particular, Prime Minister Bennett chose to appoint him to the post of GSS chief.

The candidate against R. was R. II and they both grew up in the GSS. R. II started as a coordinator and held various positions in the field, as well as a position in the Technology Division. Is on hold, and serves as a project manager in the Ministry of Defense's Development and Infrastructure Development Administration (Mapat).

The two R. speak Arabic, and both are graduates of the Wexner Foundation.

Naturally, the appointment of R. will result in the retirement of R. II.

It is likely that a few more senior members of the organization will retire later, who will understand that their chances of promotion have faded.

It is a natural and necessary process;

Argaman himself (who plans to go on a long vacation; they will not find him in politics) also says that the time has come to inject new blood into the GSS.

Prime Minister Naftali Bennett: "R. is a bold fighter and an excellent commander. I have no doubt that he will lead the service to new heights of excellence for Israel's security."

Nadav Argaman, outgoing GSS chief // Photo: Oren Ben Hakon,

The cyber challenge of the service

During his time as head of the GSS, Argaman promoted two main areas. The first, the operational-intelligence connection, the only end of which was reflected in Operation Wall Guard in Gaza. The second, the technological one, in which the organization made a significant leap in capabilities and response. The GSS missed the riots in the cities involved.

It is not a matter of missing the specific timing of the outbreak of violence - it is doubtful that there is a factor that can point to this accurately - but of locating deep currents in Arab society, and warning and seeking an early solution to the problem.

These events have proven that there is a direct link between crime and terrorism.

In many cases, these are the same factors and the same weapon.

So far, the GSS has refused to touch on what is not completely terrorism. Even when Molotov cocktails were thrown at police stations in Ramla and Lod, even when power poles were cut or communication pits were damaged in the south, the GSS left the police to deal with the problem.

Now, a repair is required.

His part has already been done through the GSS 'entry into locating, arresting and interrogating anyone who was involved in the riots, but the main thing is still ahead of us. The extremist and the potential for violence on his part, which has shifted in part to intense activity on social media (which because of its dangerous potential has been warned by Crimson, but necessitates tougher measures).

Bennett and Argaman // Photo: Haim Tzach / GPO,

The Palestinian Authority

The second challenge is the Palestinian Authority.

Abu Mazen is in the twilight of his tenure.

His popularity is at an unprecedented low, due to his decision to postpone the election and following the popularity that Hamas has gained around the events of East Jerusalem.

His successor will, in all probability, be more extreme than he is, and he may also seek cooperation with Hamas.

Israel has been neglecting the Palestinian arena for many years.

This is due to the relative security calm that prevails in Judea and Samaria (mainly thanks to the successful thwarting of the GSS), and to the political disconnect with the PA.

Although the GSS maintains regular contact with Abu Mazen and his people, he must now prepare for a change, know how to communicate with all candidates (and also with the opposition), and especially be vigilant and identify and warn in advance of the expected changes, some of which will have great political, economic and security significance.

The third challenge is internal, but it has far-reaching operational implications.

Argaman has carried out an extensive reorganization of the GSS's cyber wing, but now dramatic decisions are needed in the field to upgrade its capabilities. The Mossad led Yossi Cohen with such a connection, but his replacement Dedi Barnea is now leading a move to re-separate the wings.