Shabtai Shavit, Former Mossad Chief, Dies at 84

Mourners, including current and former Mossad officials, attended Mr. Shavit’s funeral on September 8. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

During his tenure as the director general of Mossad from 1989 to 1996, Mr. Shavit faced challenges related to political shifts such as the collapse of the Soviet Union and the U.S. military presence in the Persian Gulf. He was also involved in covert operations, including an alleged assassination attempt in Paris.

Despite his involvement in clandestine activities, Mr. Shavit believed in the importance of diplomacy and negotiations for achieving peace. He played a key role in facilitating secret talks between King Hussein of Jordan and Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, leading to the historic peace treaty between the two countries.

Following his retirement from Mossad, Mr. Shavit held various positions, including CEO of Maccabi Healthcare Services and chairman of the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism. He was also involved in advising on counter-terrorism measures for the New York Fire Department.

While Mr. Shavit’s contributions to peace and security were significant, there were also failures, as evidenced by the deadly suicide attacks in Buenos Aires believed to be directed by Hezbollah. He was critical of political leaders, including former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for policies that he believed compromised Israel’s security.

Shabtai Shavit’s legacy in the intelligence community will be remembered for his role in peace negotiations and his commitment to the safety and security of Israel. He is survived by his wife and three children.