Israel prepares next generation of spies for Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies

Israel’s military successes against its adversaries have always depended on maintaining a strategic edge in intelligence capabilities. Looking to the future, the Jewish state is already preparing the next generation of operatives for its two primary intelligence agencies, the Mossad and Shin Bet.

Israel has been identifying promising talent at an early age. Odem, an elite spy program for students as young as ninth grade, is jointly run by the Israeli Defense Ministry, the Israeli military, the Ministry of Education, the Mossad (Israel's foreign intelligence agency), and Shin Bet security (Israel's domestic intelligence agency).

Described as "the jewel of leadership in the technological arena," Odem is designed to equip Israel with the next generation of future top-notch spies and intelligence operatives.

Roy Shefer, head of the elite Odem programs division, said the initiative is also meant to address the current shortage of individuals with technical and managerial skills needed to work for Israel’s leading intelligence agencies.

"Instead of waiting until the end of 12th grade for students to reach the required level, Odem begins training in 10th grade, focusing on academics like math, physics and English, as well as leadership skills," Shefer said.

"The goal is to give boys and girls the chance to close gaps, expand technological knowledge and develop personally during a formative stage – before decisions are made and opportunities are closed off," he added.

There is intense competition for the coveted positions in Israel’s intelligence agencies.

Student A, a 12th grader and member of Odem’s first graduating class from the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona, is enthusiastic about the spy program opportunity.

"I want to serve in a meaningful role where my skills can contribute to my country. After October 7, it’s clear how essential this program is. In the Shin Bet and Mossad, you rarely get credit for your actions, and no one may ever know it was you who acted. To me, that’s the beauty of it," he said.

While self-fulfillment is a key objective, many young participants are also motivated by a strong commitment to defending the Jewish homeland and a profound sense of Zionism.

"The people behind technological developments saved my life," said S, another 12th grader from a southern Israeli community close to the Gaza border.

"Even in the current war, the critical role of technology is undeniable. I’ve always wanted to understand the work of those in the shadows and find where I can contribute. My ambition is to be one of them – protecting others quietly, ensuring no one even realizes there was ever a threat," she added.

Israel’s cutting-edge intelligence capabilities have played a critical role in degrading much of the Iranian-led terrorist axis by providing real-time intelligence on the whereabouts of top Hamas and Hezbollah terrorist leaders in Gaza, Lebanon and elsewhere.

In late September, the Israel Defense Forces eliminated Hezbollah’s top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and approximately 20 other senior Hezbollah terrorists who were meeting in an underground headquarters in southern Beirut. This highly successful operation was the culmination of years of exceptional intelligence efforts.

The State of Israel recently took credit for September's “Operation Deep Layer,” a risky covert military operation that targeted a secret Iranian-affiliated underground military complex in Syria. Highly accurate intelligence played a critical role in its success.

“This is one of the most dangerous and brave commando operations that the IDF has carried out in recent years outside the country’s borders, in a heroic manner and with great risks, but with careful planning by the Air Force that led to the desired result: Destroying a critical strategic capability of Iran in Syria, dozens of kilometers from Israel,” an unnamed military source told Israel's Ynet News.