Haim Hanegbi (born 12 April 1958) is an Israeli politician and former intelligence official. He has served in multiple senior roles within Israel’s security establishment, including as Director of the Mossad, head of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Research Department, and head of the National Security Council. Since 2021, Hanegbi has been a member of the Knesset (the Israeli parliament) representing the Likud party and has held ministerial portfolios, most recently as Minister of Strategic Affairs.
Early Life and Education
Haim Hanegbi was born in Tel Aviv, Israel, to a family of Iraqi‑Jewish descent. He grew up in the city and completed his secondary education there. Hanegbi served in the Israel Defense Forces, attaining the rank of lieutenant colonel. He later pursued higher education, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a Master of Arts in international relations from Tel Aviv University.
Intelligence and Security Career
- IDF Research Department (Mossad): After his military service, Hanegbi joined the IDF’s Research Department, responsible for strategic analysis and intelligence. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming its head.
- Director of the Mossad (1996–1998): Appointed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hanegbi served as the director of Israel’s foreign intelligence agency. His tenure involved overseeing covert operations and intelligence gathering abroad.
- National Security Council (2002–2003): Hanegbi was appointed chief adviser to the Prime Minister on national security matters and served as the head of the National Security Council.
- Deputy Director of the Mossad (2006–2009): He returned to the Mossad as deputy director, assisting in the agency’s operational and strategic functions.
- Vice‑Minister of Defense (2009–2013): Following his retirement from intelligence service, Hanegbi entered the political arena, serving as vice‑minister of defense in the Netanyahu government, where he was responsible for overseeing procurement and cooperation with foreign defense entities.
Political Career
- Member of Knesset: Hanegbi was elected to the Knesset as a member of the Likud party in the 2021 elections and has been re‑elected in subsequent polls.
- Ministerial Roles:
- Minister of Strategic Affairs (2021–2022): Oversaw coordination of Israel’s diplomatic and security strategies in the context of regional challenges.
- Minister of Intelligence Services (2023–present, as of the latest available information): Heads the newly created ministry responsible for supervising Israel’s intelligence agencies, including the Mossad, Shin Bet, and military intelligence.
Political Views and Public Positions
Hanegbi is recognized as a security‑focused politician, often emphasizing the importance of intelligence cooperation, regional security, and counter‑terrorism measures. He has publicly supported a strong Israeli defense posture and has advocated for maintaining strategic alliances, particularly with the United States.
Personal Life
Haim Hanegbi is married and has three children. He resides in the Jerusalem area. His son, Yarden Hanegbi, has also pursued a career in public service, serving in various governmental advisory capacities.
References
- Information compiled from publicly available Israeli government releases, Knesset records, and reputable news sources up to April 2026.