Israeli spy chief's phone stolen

Thieves stole the Israeli spy chief’s mobile last month, and the theft might compromise sensitive security information, police said today.

Israeli police spokesman Gil Kleiman said Mossad chief Meir Dagan’s phone has not been found, and no suspects have been arrested. Israeli military censorship lifted a publication ban today.

The phone was taken from Dagan’s car in Tel Aviv last month, police said. It was unclear if the theft was random, or intended to obtain security information.

The phone may have contained telephone numbers, ranks and other information on top Israeli security officials and access to the army’s Internet network, Israeli media reported.

On February 8, an Israeli TV station reported theft of a sensitive item from a security official, but military censorship banned publication of further details until Wednesday.

Dagan, a counterterrorism expert and former army general, was appointed to head the Mossad in September 2002.