Avraham Shalom

Avraham Shalom Bendor (Hebrew: אַבְרָהָם שָׁלוֹם בֵּנְדּוֹר; July 7, 1928 – June 19, 2014) was head of GSS (Shin Bet) from 1981-1986. He resigned after being accused of ordering the killing of two Palestinian prisoners and organising the subsequent cover-up. He was born in Vienna, Austria.

Early career

In 1946, he joined the Palmach and later fought in the battle of Mishmar HaEmek amongst others.

He joined the GSS in 1950, rising to the top position of Director by 1980.

Kav 300 affair

After the hijacking of a bus from Tel Aviv on 12 April 1984, it was reported that all four hijackers had been killed. However, following publication of pictures taken at the scene it emerged that two surviving hijackers were questioned by Brigadier General Yitzhak Mordechai and then handed over to GSS agents who executed the prisoners - allegedly on the orders of Shalom.

During the subsequent investigation, Shalom led a cover-up in the GSS that implicated Mordechai as responsible for the killings. In 1985, General Mordechai was put on trial but his acquittal led to questions being asked about Shalom's role.