Israel's 'master spy' Rafi Eitan who captured Adolf Eichmann dies at 92
TNN Bureau. Updated: 3/24/2019 10:47:52 AM
Politics
Jerusalem, Mar 24: Rafi Eitan, one of the lead Mossad agent who helped in capturing Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, died on Saturday at the age of 92.
Known as the 'master spy' of Israel, Rafi Eitan was one of the founders of the Israeli intelligence community, serving both in the homeland security agency, the Shin Bet and with the Mossad, carrying out foreign spying, for decades starting in the 1950s.
Also seen as one of the fathers of Israel's intelligence services, Eitan commanded an eight-man team who flew to Argentina in 1960 and spirited Eichmann back to Israel to stand trial.
He eventually rose to the senior ranks of the Mossad, including heading its European division, and the Defense Ministry. He also served as Pensioners Minister in the government of Ehud Olmert from 2006-2009, after his party won seven seats in the Knesset in 2006, The Jerusalem Post reported.
The former top spy was born in Ein Harod in 1926 to immigrant parents from Russia and grew up in Ramat Hasharon.
He joined the pre-state Palmah underground and was injured in the 1948 War of Independence.
President of Israel Reuven Rivlin said that Israel "lost a brave fighter... Rafi was a fighter in his soul, he stuck to his mission and to his truth. We bow our heads in sorrow and say goodbye with deep gratitude for everything he has done for the people and for the state.
Israel's PM Netanyahu said " Rafi was one of the heroes of the State of Israel’s intelligence service in countless acts for Israel’s security. There was no match for his wisdom, wit and endless commitment to the people of Israel and our country.”
Yossi Cohen, Current Mossad chief expressed great sorrow on Eitan’s death and said " He was one of the founding pillars of the intelligence community and the Mossad in particular,” he said. “His actions will be enshrined on the gold list of the history of the state.”
He died at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv on Saturday. He was married to Miriam, with whom he had three children.