“In the field of the war on espionage, we have reached a national level befitting a state whose security threats ...

Response letter from Isser Harel, first head of the Shin Bet, addressed to Mr. Bezek concerning the intelligence capabilities of Israel’s security establishment, written shortly after the publication of an article in Haaretz on the subject. In the letter, dated December 12, 1958, Harel refers to intelligence-gathering methods for combating espionage abroad, as described in the article. He clarifies that these methods are not new to spies or to their foreign handlers, and that every spy is aware of them and does everything possible to avoid detection. Harel explains that there is value in the public exposure of such methods, and that such disclosures do not pose a security risk. He elaborates: “The special aspect is that this is the first time the broader public in Israel has now heard that the Israeli Security Service also uses these proven methods, and that its efforts yield results. In my opinion, there is no harm in this. It is better that the citizens of the state hear and know that even in the field of counter-espionage, we have reached a national level befitting a state whose security threats are numerous and exceptionally severe.” He further states: “Moreover, there is good reason to believe that such publicity has a deterrent effect on individuals who might harm the state’s security or even betray it, those standing on the threshold of committing the offense, and those who may already have crossed that threshold. Upon hearing that there is a vigilant eye watching over activities aimed at harming the peace of the state, they may retreat at the last moment or resist the foreign predators attempting to ensnare them or sway their loyalty.” Regarding factual precision, Harel hints that not everything in the article was entirely accurate, particularly regarding the means by which spies are identified and the ways in which they operate. He chooses not to elaborate, likely for security reasons.

Isser Harel (Halperin) [1911–2003] – Israeli intelligence officer, one of the founding figures of the Israeli intelligence community, the first head of the Shin Bet, the second head of the Mossad, and a Member of Knesset. Halperin was the man who built the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) from the ground up, establishing its guiding principles, organizational structure, and operational methods. Among his most famous early decisions as head of the service was to eliminate the political and partisan barriers that had existed before the founding of the state, and to employ, without distinction, former members of the Haganah, Palmach, Irgun (Etzel), and Lehi (Stern Group). In the 1950s, the title “Head of the Security Services” included both his roles as head of the Shin Bet and head of the Mossad. Isser Harel (who changed his last name from Halperin to Harel on July 20, 1959) remains the only individual in the history of the State of Israel to have held responsibility over both domestic and foreign intelligence, a position that afforded him unprecedented power. Harel served as head of the security services for eleven years.

[2] leaves. Official letterhead of the “Prime Minister’s Office – Head of the Security Services.” Fold marks. Filing holes. Good condition.