Posted on 06/14/21
President Rivlin:
“I am astounded anew each time by your activity, your daring, your courage, your creativity and your sophistication, but no less by your preparedness, caution and sensitivity.”
President of Israel Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin today, Monday 14 June / 4 Tammuz, took leave of the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet). The president was escorted on his visit to the agency’s headquarters by its head, Nadav Argaman, and by the ISA’s senior leadership.
“We owe you a huge debt,” said the president at the beginning of his remarks to the men and women of the ISA.” Most Israelis don’t know how big. I am astounded anew each time by your activity, your daring, your courage, your creativity and your sophistication, but no less by your preparedness, caution and sensitivity.”
He added, “Over the last seven years, I have been informed about your extraordinary and different activities. The sophistication, the innovation, the unique capabilities. In the last round of fighting, Operation Guardian of the Walls, I learned again about your new abilities. We saw how important your work is. How vital it is. How much the cooperation between you and other civilian security organizations is a significant force multiplier, a decisive factor in preventing and fighting terrorism. You reached new heights with the intelligence you gathered and in your ability to calm tensions inside the country. That is a mission requiring outstanding sensitivity, insight and accuracy and you performed it nobly.”
The president continued, “Our Israeli Security Agency is considered one of the best and most efficient in the world. Thanks to the means, thanks to the technology – but first and foremost, and always – thanks to the people. Men and women. Thanks to you. Thanks to the unique set of values that you bring with you to every mission.” The president thanked the close protection unit of the ISA that has escorted him over the years which, “sensitively and considerately has protected my every move in Israel and overseas,” and added personal, affectionate thanks to Nadav Argaman who has led the agency over recent years, reaching new heights of achievement.
“And to you, all of you, thank you for what you have don and thank you for the many things you are still to do. Take care of yourselves, and continue to take care of us,” he concluded.
Head of the ISA Nadav Argaman: “We have been honored with a very big hug from Beit HaNasi and from the president, of course. Over the years of your term of office, you were a president who was very involved, aware, in control, overseeing. We have huge admiration for your entire career, over many years, from Beitar Jerusalem until today, in all roles, Speaker of the Knesset and of course as President of the State of Israel. I would like to thank you on behalf of the ISA, and personally. Far be it from me to wish you on behalf of the Israeli people, but also on behalf of the State of Israel, the Israeli people, we have been blessed with an exemplary president. Huge thanks for the way, and of course for the relationship we had with Beit HaNasi over all these years. We have been blessed. Many thanks, much appreciation, and best wishes for your success in the future.”