Mossad

The Mossad, which translates to "the Institute", is the best-known Israeli intelligence agency. It is descended from the intelligence arm of the Haganah, the militia of the Jewish community (the Yishuv) and its loose quasi-state (led by the Jewish Agency for Palestine) that existed during the last days of The British Empire before official independence. During World War II it acted as an ally of British Intelligence as well as performing operations of its own, such as spying on Arabs, refugee smuggling and the occasional "removal" of notorious Nazis. During the Arab-Israeli Conflict Mossad helped provide Israel's security, but engaged in some controversial acts, including assasinations. While these were targeted at enemies, at least one of the victims was an innocent waiter - which shows the inherant limitations of being a Vigilante Man.

Mossad has conducted some of the most spectacular espionage operations in the twentieth century. One of the most famous was the hunting down and abduction of Adolf Eichman, one of the most wanted of Nazi war criminals.

Like any good spy agency, Mossad's reputation is perhaps greater than its actual prowess. Its demonstrated actual skill level is formidable, however, and some Mossad agents really are Real Life examples of a Badass Israeli. And, besides, its name sounds really cool. However, it must be remembered that, like all spy agencies, being Good with Numbers is usually more useful then being good with guns. And indeed it has been said that one reason for Mossad's skill level is the Jewish intellectual tradition.

Appearances of the Mossad in fiction

Film

• Yitzhak, The Rabbi's son in Lucky Number Slevin has a pair of ex-Mossad bodyguards.
• Munich
• Sword of Gideon
• The Debt

Live Action TV

• Special Agent Ziva David from NCIS was originally a Mossad liaison officer.
• Mikel Dayan of Leverage is a Dark Action Girl and Cold Sniper who is also a former Mossad agent. She's now a mercenary who sells her services to various criminal organisations.

Literature

• In the Mathew Reiley book series beginning with Seven Ancient Wonders, the sniper of the team is a Mossad agent.
• Books like By Way of Deception, Every Spy a Prince and Israel's Secret Wars.
• Gabriel Allon in the books by Daniel Silva, is an ex-mossad assassin turn art restorer.