Nadav Argaman's appointment Thursday as the new director of the Shin Bet security agency, after serving as deputy director, meant the organization was spared external nominations or ugly inheritance battles, and could let out a sigh of relief. Together with Roni Alsheikh, Argaman was one of outgoing Shin Bet Director Yoram Cohen's two deputies. Once Alsheikh was named Israeli Police commissioner in September, Argaman remained the only viable candidate to replace Cohen, as the options of tapping a younger officer or an external candidate for the role would have been seen as a slap in the security agency's face. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saw no need to create a crisis where there wasn't one, and tapped the obvious candidate for the position. The deputy can now take over for the director, leaving the agency to simply move forward, shake-up free. Argaman's nomination is unlikely to raise any eyebrows or spark any criticism within the Shin Bet, not only over the fact that it is a hierarchical one, but because the criticism leveled at him when he was chosen as Cohen's deputy is no longer true. At the time it was said that despite the operational nature of his career within the agency, he was not an "Arabist," meaning he lacked understanding and experience in the Shin Bet's core operational sphere in the Arab and Palestinian sectors. Argaman believed such perceptions were superficial and outdated. Fast-forward a few years, and the Shin Bet is a different organization, one whose operations draw from and rely on the abilities of all departments. Today's Shin Bet knows how to utilize its cross-platform capabilities to generate sources and gather intelligence, and it is measured by the results it produces -- not its director's operational pedigree. And besides, after three years as deputy director, Argaman has filled in any gaps he may have had on his resume. Argaman's new position will not be without its challenges. The kibbutznik from Hamadia, the perfectionist, the tough operations officer, will soon find himself in new arenas, just as challenging as the constant effort to stay one step ahead of terrorist organizations. The list includes the need to maintain and cultivate cooperation with the Palestinian security forces; having to thwart terrorism within the Israeli Arab sector while simultaneously prompting the government to truly integrate Israeli Arabs into society; fighting Jewish terrorism, and especially the radical Right's powerful lobby, which spares no effort to bully and intimidate the officers of the Shin Bet's Jewish Department; alongside the need to secure additional budgets, improve operational and technological capabilities, and maximize human capital. Argaman believes in the goals ahead of him and anyone who thinks he will prove a pliable director is in for a rude awakening. Like Cohen, Argaman sees himself as a public servant -- not the government's servant. His operational background hides deep discretion and when crucial issues, such as issues of war and peace, come up, he may prove obstinate and unyielding, a director willing to fight for his professional truth, even if it means ruffling some ministerial feathers. Some ministers may find that, alongside IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, Argaman can serve as a buffer against adventurous whims. Netanyahu's choice to name Cohen's successor at this time, three months prior to the end of the Shin Bet director's term, will allow for a smooth transition of office, both for Argaman and his future deputies. This will ensure he has time to become even more familiar with the burning issues of the Palestinian wave of terrorism, Hamas' threat of terror tunnels, and a host of other issues, all of which assure him no grace period.
