Prime Minister Netanyahu: Names deputy Mossad chief next national security adviser

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday named Deputy Mossad Director Yossi Cohen as the new national security advisor. Cohen will replace Maj. Gen. (res.) Yaakov Amidror. His appointment is pending a cabinet vote, which has been schedule for Sunday.

Cohen, 52, who has been serving as Mossad Director Tamir Pardo's deputy for the past two years, was known until recently only as "Y." The married father of four has been a part of the defense establishment for the past 30 years, and was also the director of Tzomet, the Mossad's international operations unit. Several years ago he was awarded the prestigious Israel Defense Prize.

The Prime Minister's Office's said that Cohen was vetted for the position by the Civil Service Nominations Committee, headed by Civil Service Commissioner Moshe Dayan, ahead of the cabinet's vote.

Amidror, who assumed office in mid 2010, will retire in the next few weeks, after ensuring a smooth transition of power to Cohen.

"Yossi Cohen has a unique background and skills that make him worthy of this important position," Netanyahu said Wednesday. "He has served the State of Israel for the past three decades in both operational and administrative positions in the Mossad and he is well-versed in international and security issues.

"Yaakov Amidror has been very successful in his position over the past two and a half years and he has tirelessly worked to ensure the safety and security of Israel and its citizens, for which I wish to thank him," Netanyahu continued, adding that the government is sure to call on Amidror's experience and expertise in the future.