Prime Minister Naftali Bennett appointed on Wednesday a new director to the Shin Bet domestic intelligence and security agency, who currently serves as the deputy of the organization.
Bennett's pick, known only as R. until his appointment is approved by the government, has a career spanning over three decades in Israel's defense establishment and has been serving as the right hand of outgoing Shin Bet Director Nadav Argaman for the past two and a half years.
"In the wake of his many years of experience, performance and understanding of the significant challenges faced by the State of Israel in general and by the Shin Bet in particular, the prime minister chose to appoint him to the post of Shin Bet chief," the Prime Minister's Office said.
Bennett himself said that R. is "a brave fighter and an excellent commander. I have no doubt that he will lead the service to new heights of excellence for Israel's security".
Argaman's five-year term officially had concluded in May but was extended by another four months after a row erupted over his replacement in the government, with former prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, attempting to appoint his confidant - National Security Council head Meir Ben Shabbat.
Since the start of the pandemic, a rift has developed between him and Argaman and the two apparently did not see eye to eye on the organization's activities. R. is a graduate of the Wexner Foundation, which focuses on the development of Jewish professional and volunteer leaders in North America and public leaders in Israel
R. faced a stiff competition for the post from another candidate also known as "R", who also at one point served as deputy to the Shin Bet's chief. He considered an "Arabist", and recently took lessons in Arabic. Defense Minister Benny Gantz is believed to have recommended his for the job.