Israeli media, ignoring censorship laws barring publication of the name of the head of Israel’s domestic security service, have reported that the former head of the navy has agreed to take on the post of Shin Bet head.
Rear Adm. Ami Ayalon, who left the navy at the end of the year, will replace the current Shin Bet head – known only by his initial, the Hebrew letter “Kaf” – who announced earlier this week that he was steeping down.
Kef’s resignation came amid sharp criticism of Shin Bet security lapses surrounding the Nov. 4 assassination of Yitzhak Rabin.
If Ayalon is appointed – Prime Minister Shimon Peres will submit Ayalon as his choice Sunday to the Cabinet – it would be the first time a Shin Bet head was appointed from outside the security organization.
Observers said Peres appointed a Shin Bet outsider in order to improve the agency’s tarnished reputation in the wake of the assassination.
Senior Israel Defense Force and security sources were reportedly satisfied with the naming of Ayalon, who has a reputation for keeping a low media profile.
After Kaf announced his plans to resign, a number of possible successors had been named, including Ayalon and the head of the IDF Central Command, Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran.
Ayalon, 50, turned down a previous offer to be appointed Shin Bet head when the post was offered him by Rabin, Peres’ predecessor.
Ayalon, agreed to take the position after meeting with the current head of the agency, who reportedly persuaded him to take the post.
By law, the name of the Shin Bet head is withheld to protect his safety.
But several Israeli newspapers published Ayalon’s name, saying that they were doing so at a time when the Israeli public was demanding more openness from its government.
Newspaper officials added that even though the workings of the Shin Bet should well be kept secret in most instances, the name of the organization’s top official should be disclosed.
In the wake of the publication of Ayalon’s name, Environment Minister Yossi Sarid called for a change in the legislation barring publication of the Shin Bet head’s identity.
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