Israel's Mossad celebrates 65th anniversary

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a festive toast to mark the 65th anniversary of the founding of Israel's national intelligence agency, the Mossad.

The event was attended by Netanyahu, Israel's Intelligence Minister Katz and Mossad chief Tamir Pardo.

Acknowledging the complex task that stands before the intelligence agency, Netanyahu said: "We cannot solve the fundamental problems of the Middle East that are revealed in all their power, and today our enemy is twofold: It is radical Shiite Islam led by Iran and its proxies, and radical Sunni Islam, currently led by the Islamic State."

Netanyahu stressed the importance of the Mossad's work by reminding that "there is one clear rule: no one makes a pact with the weak."

"The real defense of our country during its years of existence and the 65 years of the existence of the Mossad, which we mark on this day, is this power of the State of Israel. It is this power that we cultivate," the prime minister added.

"Facing this changing world, Israel must be a superpower. Not just a regional power, but in some areas a world power. This only deepens and enhances our ability to leverage our relationships with officials in the region and with players outside this region."

Netanyahu went on to stress the Mossad's vital and irreplaceable role in Israel's ability to maintain its position as a regional and global power, stressing that it is this position which is "ultimately the guarantee of our existence."

Netanyahu also thanked not just the many Mossad operatives, but also their families for the support they lend to the agency.

During the event, employees received a special gift as a souvenir - a specially designed postage stamp, issued by the Philatelic Service in a limited quantity.

Mossad chief Tamir Pardo stressed that despite the sophisticated technology on which the agency relies for many of its activities, none of it's achievements would have been possible without its agents.

Over the years, the Mossad underwent large changes and today, 40% of the agency's employees are women, while 24% of them can be found in senior positions.

The Mossad was formed on December 13, 1949, at the recommendation of then-Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion and has been responsible for many legendary missions across the world.