New Shin Bet chief takes office

JERUSALEM - The Shin Bet will be forced to stand as a barrier to ensure the conflicts within Israeli society do not turn into Armageddon, incoming Shin Bet Chief Yuval Diskin said Sunday. "The conflict will be conducted according to the law and the rules of democracy," he said, during an official a ceremony at President Moshe Katsav's official residence marking the start to his four-year term. Diskin also said his organization would be prepared for a renewed outbreak of terror, in order to protect the citizens of Israel and to clarify the message that terror will not prevail. "It will not be a simple task, the service (Shin Bet) is part of a democratic society, which acts according to laws and principles," he said. "I wish for myself that I'll be able to find the correct balance between humility and strength, between caution and provocation, between idealism and reality." He said Israel is faced with difficult challenges, both internally - with deep-seeded national and social conflicts, and externally - with a Palestinian, radical Islamic and Iranian threat of terror. President Moshe Katsav congratulated Diskin on his new position and praised outgoing chief Avi Dichter for his past endeavors. "Over the past few years the conflict has turned every citizen into a soldier," he said. "Dichter, with great wisdom, sensitivity and an abundance of energy succeeded in steering the conflict in such a way that most Israeli citizens were able to lead a normal life." A new chief Diskin, in his late 40's, entered the Shin Bet as a field agent in the West Bank and rose through the ranks without taking any shortcuts. Previously, he has heading the agency's counter-terror division and the Jerusalem department. He was also in charge of Arab division, which included maintaining secret ties with Palestinian security officials. Diskin also served as deputy chief to Dichter from 2000-2003, before leaving the agency to further his studies. During his time as deputy chief, which coincided with the beginning of the intifada, Diskin was also responsible for developing the "targeted killing" doctrine used to eliminate wanted Palestinian terrorists.

New Shin Bet chief takes office

Yuval Diskin officially assumes position following ceremony at president's residence; says Shin Bet prepared for renewed terror attacks