In brief
Aliza Magen's remarkable 40-year career at the Mossad included groundbreaking operations and leadership that set new standards for women in intelligence.
Aliza Magen, a trailblazer in Israel’s intelligence community, passed away on April 14 in Jerusalem at the age of 87. Her lifetime of service spanned nearly four decades at the Mossad, where she made history as the highest-ranking woman to serve in the agency. The news of her death was officially announced by the Israeli prime minister's office.Magen's journey in intelligence began right after her mandatory military service, leading her to various roles within the Mossad. Over two decades, she operated undercover across Europe, focusing on intelligence collection and agent recruitment. Notably, one of her initial missions involved a lengthy operation to undermine German missile scientists working for Egypt, aiming to neutralize a potential threat to Israel.Her efforts included recruiting a former Nazi officer in Austria to serve as a Mossad asset. Magen was instrumental in Operation Wrath of God in the 1970s, a covert mission that sought retribution against those responsible for the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack, which claimed the lives of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches.Upon returning to Israel in the early 1980s, she continued to rise through the ranks, ultimately becoming the deputy head of the Tzomet division, which manages agents and overseas intelligence. She also led the agency's administrative division and coordinated its operations center, leaving an indelible mark on Israel's national security landscape. Aliza Magen's legacy continues to inspire future generations in intelligence and beyond.
