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HARDtalk: Meir Dagan - Director of Mossad (2002-2010)

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Meir Dagan - Director of Mossad (2002-2010)

18/06/2012 GMT

BBC World Service - HARDtalk, Meir Dagan - Director of Mossad (2002-2010)

The former head of Mossad explains why an attack on Iran might not benefit Israel.

The former head of Israel's secret service explains why an attack on Iran might not benefit Israel.

Israel's secret service, the Mossad, is regarded as one of the most resourceful and ruthless intelligence agencies in the world.

But are Israel's top spies on the same page as the country's politicians when it comes to an assessment of the threat posed by Iran? 

The question was prompted by Meir Dagan, director of Mossad until a year and a half ago. Just months after retiring he said an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear facilities would be stupid. 

Why did he go so public so quickly, and is there a dangerous gulf between Israel's political leadership and security chiefs?

(Image: Meir Dagan - left - shakes hands with former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon while receiving his letter of appointment in October 30, 2002. Credit: Getty Images)

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