Zvi Zamir, Mossad director during Yom Kippur War, dies at 98

Published: JANUARY 2, 2024 09:01

Updated: JANUARY 2, 2024 11:43

Zvi Zamir, Mossad chief from 1968-1974, who died January 2, 2024, at age 98. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) — Zvi Zamir, Mossad chief from 1968-1974, who died January 2, 2024, at age 98.

(photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT)

He is remembered as having warned of an attack before the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, but was ignored by military intelligence.

Maj.-Gen. Zvi Zamir, who led Israel's Mossad from 1968-1974, died on Tuesday at the age of 98.

Zamir immigrated to Israel from Poland. He served in the Palmach during Israel's War of Independence and held high positions in the IDF before becoming the fourth head of the Mossad.

He is remembered as having warned of an attack before the outbreak of the Yom Kippur War, but was ignored by military intelligence.

Following the approval of the Arganot Commission's report on the failings of the IDF in advance of the war, Zamir chaired the committee tasked with proposing changes in the structure of Israel's intelligence services.

Reuven Rivlin (left) with Zvi Zamir, former Mossad chief, who died January 2, 2024 at age 98. (credit: PRESIDENT'S OFFICE)

Zamir worked in civil engineering, energy following his retirement from Mossad

Following his retirement from the Mossad, Zamir served as CEO of Solel Boneh, the construction and civil engineering company, and as the CEO of oil refineries from 1976 to 1990.

In 1977, Zamir was appointed chairman of the board of directors of the Institute for Petroleum and Geophysics Research. He also served as chairman of the Israel Petroleum and Energy Institute from 1991-2000.