Mossad is the national intelligence agency of the State of Israel, responsible for foreign intelligence gathering, intelligence analysis, and covert operations
. It is one of the three major intelligence organizations of Israel, along with Aman (military intelligence) and Shin Bet (internal security)
. Mossad has been accused of carrying out assassinations and covert operations against enemies of Israel and former Nazi war criminals living abroad
. It is also known for its involvement in the clandestine movement of Jewish refugees out of Syria, Iran, and Ethiopia
. Mossad has a total of eight departments, including a "nuclear" desk focused on special weapons-related issues and a technology department responsible for the development of advanced technologies for support of Mossad operations
. With an annual budget of about $3bn and 7,000 staff, Mossad is the second- largest espionage agency in the Western world after the CIA
