In brief
Aliza Magen, who dedicated four decades to the Mossad, making history as the agency's highest-ranking woman, has died at the age of 87, as confirmed by the Israeli prime minister's office on April 14.
Aliza Magen, a prominent figure in Israel’s national intelligence agency, passed away in Jerusalem on April 14 at the age of 87. Magen's illustrious career spanned over 40 years, during which she made history by becoming the highest-ranking woman in Mossad's operations. The announcement of her death was released by the office of the Israeli prime minister.Magen began her journey with the Mossad right after fulfilling her mandatory military service, dedicating her entire professional life to the agency. For over two decades, she worked undercover across Europe, efficiently managing agents and gathering critical intelligence. Many of her involvement details remain classified; however, Magen played a fundamental role in significant missions. She was proficient in German and undertook a noteworthy operation aimed at undermining German scientists developing missiles for Egypt - a potential threat to Israel's security.From her base in Austria, she successfully recruited a former high-ranking Nazi officer, transforming him into a valuable asset for the Mossad. Moreover, in the 1970s, she contributed to Operation Wrath of God, which focused on tracking down and eliminating those responsible for the tragic terrorist attacks at the Munich Olympics in 1972, where 11 Israeli athletes lost their lives.Magen returned to Israel in the early 1980s, subsequently taking on the role of deputy head of the Tzomet division, overseeing agents and intelligence operations abroad. She later managed the administrative division along with the operations center of the agency, cementing her legacy as a dominant force within the Mossad.
