Gantz announces 3 classified military projects are winners of Israel’s security prize

Defense Minister Benny Gantz announces this year’s recipients of Israel’s top security prize: three classified projects involving the military, Mossad spy agency, Shin Bet security service, Defense Ministry and defense contractors.

In addition, a lifetime achievement award was presented to a senior Mossad officer who can only be identified by the first Hebrew letter of his name: Aleph.

The nature of the projects that won the prize this year remain largely classified.

One was led by the Mossad, the Rafael defense contractor, the Israeli Air Force, and the Israel Defense Force’ visual intelligence Unit 9900. Another winner was a project led by the Israeli Aerospace Industries, with assistance from the IAF, Defense Ministry’s research-and-development department, Rafael, and the Elbit Systems defense contractor. The third project to receive the award this year was a joint effort by the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence.

In addition, “Aleph” of the Mossad will receive a lifetime achievement award for his “years-long contribution to the security of the state and for his initiative [in developing] many technological solutions, while displaying outstanding talent, creativity, curiosity and courage,” the ministry says.

— Judah Ari Gross