Israel appoints new spy chief

Veteran Israeli spy Tamir Pardo has been appointed as the new head of Mossad, replacing Meir Dagan, who left the post after eight years.

In a statement on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Pardo’s rich experience in Mossad, Ha’aretz daily reported.

According to the statement, Netanyahu said that he was certain that Pardo was the right man to lead the organization.

Pardo’s new post still has to be approved by a committee which oversees appointments to senior positions in the public service.

Dagan took over the Mossad in 2002 as part of an effort by then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to hone a more aggressive secret service.

Pardo is a long-time Mossad official, and recently served as Dagan’s deputy, but quit the position last year.