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| ==Operation== | ==Operation== | ||
| The word 'katsa' is a hebrew acronym, meaning "Collections Officer". There are typically 30-40 katsas at a time, operating mainly in ] and somewhat in the ]. They have operated to a lesser degree in ] and ]. Some sources even suggest that they have had a presence in the ] in a unit called ''AL''.<ref>Ostrovsky, Victor ''By Way of Deception''{{Page needed}}</ref>{{better source}} Most of the information being gathered for Israel is on the ]. Because it is more difficult to operate in Arab countries, the Mossad recruits many of its agents in Europe.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}} While some katsas are stationed permanently in foreign countries, others are moved among operations, hence their nickname 'jumpers'. The number of katsas is much smaller than that of other major ] because of the ], volunteer non-Israeli ]s who provide logistical support around the world. Most katsas are former members of the ], though Mossad itself is a civilian service. | The word 'katsa' is a hebrew acronym, meaning "Collections Officer". There are typically 30-40 katsas at a time, operating mainly in ] and somewhat in the ]. They have operated to a lesser degree in ] and ]. Some sources even suggest that they have had a presence in the ] in a unit called ''AL''.<ref>Ostrovsky, Victor ''By Way of Deception''{{Page needed|date=October 2010}}</ref>{{better source|date=October 2010}} Most of the information being gathered for Israel is on the ]. Because it is more difficult to operate in Arab countries, the Mossad recruits many of its agents in Europe.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}} While some katsas are stationed permanently in foreign countries, others are moved among operations, hence their nickname 'jumpers'. The number of katsas is much smaller than that of other major ] because of the ], volunteer non-Israeli ]s who provide logistical support around the world. Most katsas are former members of the ], though Mossad itself is a civilian service. | ||
| ==Organization== | ==Organization== | ||
Revision as of 12:44, 31 October 2010
For the percussion instrument, see Katsa (instrument). | This article relies excessively on references to primary sources. Please improve this article by adding secondary or tertiary sources. Find sources: "Katsa" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (October 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this message) |
A katsa is a field intelligence officer of Mossad. He or she collects information and runs agents, similar to the case officer of the CIA.
Operation
The word 'katsa' is a hebrew acronym, meaning "Collections Officer". There are typically 30-40 katsas at a time, operating mainly in Europe and somewhat in the Middle East. They have operated to a lesser degree in Africa and Asia. Some sources even suggest that they have had a presence in the United States in a unit called AL. Most of the information being gathered for Israel is on the Arab world. Because it is more difficult to operate in Arab countries, the Mossad recruits many of its agents in Europe. While some katsas are stationed permanently in foreign countries, others are moved among operations, hence their nickname 'jumpers'. The number of katsas is much smaller than that of other major intelligence agencies because of the sayanim, volunteer non-Israeli Jews who provide logistical support around the world. Most katsas are former members of the Israeli Defense Forces, though Mossad itself is a civilian service.
Organization
Katsas are organized under the Mossad Head of Operations, in a division known as Tsomet (intersection) or Melucha (kingdom). They are further split into three geographic branches:
- Isarelis Branch: Includes the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, and the 'jumper' katsas who move between operations.
- Branch B: Covers Germany, Austria, and Italy.
- Branch C: Covers United Kingdom, France, Low Countries, and Scandinavia.
Training
In searching for candidates, the Mossad administers a variety of psychological and aptitude tests, as well as assessing their own current needs. If selected, a candidate must go through and pass the Mossad training academy, the Midrasha, located near the town of Herzliya. The Mossad academy is the official summer residence of the Israeli Prime Minister. There they are taught the tradecraft of intelligence gathering for approximately three years. The main priority of training is to teach katsas how to find, recruit, and cultivate agents, including how to clandestinely communicate with them. They also learn how to avoid being the subject of foreign counter-intelligence, by avoiding car and foot surveillance, and by preventing foreign agents from creating 'traps' at meetings. Although katsas do not always carry a weapon, each is trained in the use of the .22 Beretta pistol. Even once training is completed, trainees will spend an apprenticeship period working on varying projects before becoming full fledged katsas.
Known and possible katsas
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- Victor Ostrovsky: The author of By Way of Deception, which describes how he worked as a katsa for five years.
- Michael Harari: Led a group of Mossad officers who mistakenly killed an innocent waiter in the Lillehammer affair in 1973.
- Mossad officers also involved in Lillehammer affair:
- Dan Ærbel
- Abraham Gehmer aka Leslie Orbaum
- Zwi Steinberg
- Michael Dorf
- Marianne Gladnikoff
- Sylvia Rafael aka Patricia Lesley Roxburgh
- Bobby Angelus Askari: "The legendary alias of "Asad Khalil"- the lion. known Kidon agent and cell tracker for the Mossad. Also called the ghost for his ability to seemingly appear out of thin air. Not much else is known except this guy has over 122 confirmed kills in the span of four years. And was known to never kill women or children. As documented by Air Force Combat command.
References
- Ostrovsky, Victor By Way of Deception
- Ostrovsky, Victor. By Way of Deception-The making and unmaking of a Mossad Officer. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1990. ISBN 0-9717595-0-2
- Thomas Gordon. Gideon's Spies: The Secret History of the Mossad. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1999. ISBN 0-312-25284-6
- Thomas, Gordon. Martin, Dillon. Robert Maxwell, Israel's Superspy: The Life and Murder of a Media Mogul. New York: Carroll & Graf Publishers, 2002. ISBN 0-7867-1295-3
External links
- Official website of Mossad, used for recruiting personnel
- English version