Future Shin Bet director Nadav Argaman. He is replacing outgoing Director Yoram Cohen. Photo: Courtesy Shin Bet.

JNS.org – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday named Shin Bet Deputy Director Nadav Argaman as the security agency’s next director, replacing outgoing Director Yoram Cohen, who will complete his term in three months.

The appointment is pending the approval of Israel’s Public Service Nominations Committee.

“Nadav Argaman has extensive and proven operational and command experience in the Shin Bet. I am confident that under his command, the Shin Bet will continue to grow stronger in the operational and technological spheres and will continue to defend the security of Israel,” Netanyahu said.

Israeli President Reuven Rivlin called Argaman “the right man at the right time.”

“I’m sure you (Argaman) will be able to preserve Israelis’ routine lives even in these trying times,” Rivlin said.

“The Shin Bet security agency faces many challenges in its defense of public security, and I have no doubt that Nadav will lead the organization successfully as it deals with these challenges,” said Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. “Nadav has vast operational experience and he has held many positions within the Shin Bet that I’m sure will assist him as its director.”