Aliza Magen, highest-ranking woman ever to serve in the Mossad, dies at 88

Aliza Magen, a towering figure in the history of Israel’s Mossad and one of its most influential leaders, passed away today at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of courage, ingenuity, and unwavering dedication to her nation’s security.

As the highest-ranking woman ever to serve in the secretive intelligence agency, Magen’s remarkable career spanned decades, from daring field operations to shaping the organization’s strategic vision as deputy head under three directors. Her death marks the end of an era for the Mossad, which hailed her as a “trailblazer” and “pillar” whose impact will endure for generations.

Born in Jerusalem in 1937, Magen was recruited to the Mossad at just 23, a young woman stepping into a shadowy world of espionage during a formative period for Israel. Her early years as an operative showcased her audacity and skill, notably in Operation Diamond, where she helped orchestrate the defection of an Iraqi pilot who flew his MiG-21 to Israel in 1966, a coup that bolstered Israeli intelligence capabilities.

Magen also played a role in Operation Wrath of God, the Mossad’s covert campaign to track and eliminate terrorists responsible for the 1972 Munich Olympics massacre, a mission that cemented her reputation as a resolute operative unafraid of high-stakes challenges.

Over time, Magen’s talents propelled her into leadership. She served as a department head, head of human resources, and head of operational coordination, roles that honed her ability to navigate complex missions and manage the agency’s most sensitive assets.

Her ascent culminated in her appointment as deputy head of the Mossad, serving under directors Shabtai Shavit, Efraim Halevy, and Danny Yatom. From this perch, she oversaw hundreds of intelligence operations, both in Israel and abroad, leaving an indelible mark on the agency’s culture and capabilities. Retiring in 1999, Magen remained a revered figure, her legacy a guiding light for Mossad operatives who followed in her footsteps.

“Aliza was a pillar of the Mossad,” said current Mossad chief David (Dedi) Barnea in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. “She was a respected commander, a trailblazer, and a dedicated individual who devoted her life to the security of Israel and its citizens.” The agency’s tribute underscored her mentorship of countless employees, noting that “generations were mentored according to her legacy and values.” Barnea, joined by Mossad staff and retirees, expressed deep sorrow, calling her a “defining figure” whose contributions shaped the organization’s storied history.

Magen’s personal life was marked by a quiet strength. Married to Avraham until his passing in 2011, the couple had no children, channeling their energies into service and each other. Her Jerusalem roots grounded her, even as her work took her across borders and into the heart of global intrigue. Known as a “woman of the shadows,” Magen’s discretion was legendary, yet her influence was unmistakable, a blend of intellect, resolve, and moral clarity that defined her leadership.

Her passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes, with 36 comments flooding online platforms, reflecting the public’s admiration for a woman who operated largely out of sight yet profoundly shaped Israel’s security. “A true heroine,” wrote one commenter, echoing a sentiment shared across the nation. The Mossad’s statement captured the collective grief: “The Mossad family bows its head today in deep sorrow at the passing of our colleague Aliza.”

As the country mourns, it also celebrates a life that broke barriers and safeguarded a people, ensuring that Aliza Magen’s memory, much like her work, will remain a blessing and an inspiration.

Israel Hayom, Ynet contributed to this article.