who are the mossad

The Mossad is the national intelligence agency of Israel, primarily responsible for espionage, covert operations, and counterterrorism outside of Israel's borders. Formed in 1949 shortly after the establishment of Israel, its full name is HaMossad LeModi'in U'LeTafkidim Meyuchadim, which translates to the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations. The agency operates with a high level of secrecy and reports directly to the Prime Minister of Israel. Mossad has been involved in numerous high-profile operations, including the capture of Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann and combating threats such as terrorism and nuclear proliferation, particularly focusing on Iran. It is one of the largest and most prominent intelligence agencies in the world, with an estimated staff of around 7,000 and an annual budget in the billions of dollars. Its methods and operations have sometimes been controversial due to their covert and extrajudicial nature.