Shin Bet Israeli agency Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/topic/Shin-Bet Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Also known as: General Security Services, ISA, Israeli Security Agency, Shabak, Sherut Ha-Bitachon Ha-Kelali Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Mar 20, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot Formally: General Security Services (Sherut Ha-Bitachon Ha-Kelali) (Show more) Also called: Israeli Security Agency (ISA) or Shabak (Show more) Top Questions What is the primary focus of Shin Bet? Shin Bet focuses on internal security, counterintelligence, potential sabotage, terrorist activities, and security matters of a political nature.

　　When was Shin Bet formally created? Shin Bet was formally created in February 1949.

　　What are the three wings of Shin Bet? Shin Bet is divided into three wings responsible for Arab affairs, non-Arab affairs, and protective security.

　　Shin Bet, one of the three major intelligence organizations of Israel, along with Aman (military intelligence) and Mossad (foreign intelligence). The Shin Bet is concerned with internal security and counterintelligence and focuses on potential sabotage, terrorist activities, and security matters of a strongly political nature. It is divided into three wings responsible for Arab affairs, non-Arab affairs, and protective security—i.e., the protection of Israel’s embassies, its defense infrastructure, and El Al, the national airline. The Shin Bet was formally created in February 1949, but the general public was not aware of its existence until David Ben-Gurion, prime minister (1948–53 and ...(100 of 312 words)

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