Dagan is identified most with Israel's clandestine efforts to frustrate the Iranian nuclear program.
By YAAKOV LAPPINUpdated: MARCH 18, 2016 00:05Meir Dagan, former head of Mossad, addresses a rally calling for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's defeat in the upcoming elections(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI)
The hours that followed the death of former Mossad chief Meir Dagan saw an outpouring of condolences from current and former security officials.IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen.Gadi Eisenkot said, “The State of Israel has today lost a man and a commander whose life was interwoven with the affairs of his time. A brave warrior, a hero of Israel, whose overt and covert acts formed an extended achievement on behalf of the state’s security and prosperity.”Eisenkot described Dagan as a “friend and a comrade in arms whose figure will be sorely missed by us. IDF commanders and their soldiers in the conscripted and reserve forces esteem Meir’s memory and send condolences to the family.”The IDF Spokesman said the military “salutes Maj.-Gen.(res.) Meir Dagan, recipient of the Medal of Courage for his actions, legacy, and many years of contribution to Israel’s security.”Yossi Cohen, the current head of the Mossad, expressed his personal condolences and those of all of the Mossad’s branches to the Dagan family.The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) domestic intelligence agency released a statement expressing “deep sorrow over the passing” of Dagan, describing him as a “friend and warrior on [our] common path, and a brave leader who dedicated his life for the security of the State of Israel, who did so with dedication, creativity and determination.”“His path and actions form an inspiration and a model for the next generations,” the Shin Bet said.The Commanders for Israel’s Security group, of which Dagan was a member, described him as having rare bravery on the battlefield and in public life.In a statement, the group said Dagan was “a man with straight, long-term thinking, daring and operational.Throughout all of his roles, Dagan did not fear to clearly say what was on his mind.One of the quotes that most reflect his personality and thinking came during his last public speech: ‘I have a dream: to leave behind a different society for my three children and seven grandchildren. I dream that they will be able to dedicate life to growth, development, realizing dreams, and not to war for their home. I’d like to promise them a better life than the life I lived.’” Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amod Yadlin, former Military Intelligence chief and the director of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, said, “Israel today lost a warrior, a commander, and a brave and daring leader. His actions on the battlefield, both overt and covert, will be part of the Israeli security legacy. Meir was an Israeli patriot in every bone of his body. He always saw the good of the state, its security and future. Many generations of fighters and intelligence personnel will continue to be educated and to operate on the basis of his legacy, values, daring and vision.”Yadlin added that “many of his achievements still can’t be talked about or detailed. His creativity, daring, and sober vision will continue to accompany us all when we remember him. We spent five years together leading intelligence and covert operations. Meir was a challenging and supporting parter, and I will miss him very much. May his memory be blessed.”Former Shin Bet chief, MK Yaakov Peri (Yesh Atid), said Dagan was a central pillar of the defense establishment, the IDF and the intelligence community.He described Dagan as a “sharp, brave and creative man,” defined by his uniqueness, original thinking, and unusual bravery.”
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