Mossad - Tzomet division

The Collections Department, also known as Tzomet (Hebrew for "junction" or "crossroads"), constitutes the largest division with responsibility for espionage operations worldwide and typically employs the greatest number of personnel, estimated at 40-50 percent of total Mossad staff. This department consists of geographically specialized desks directing case officers based at stations around the world and the agents they control. These officers, known as katsas in Hebrew, recruit and handle foreign intelligence assets, operating under both diplomatic cover through Israeli embassies and consulates, and non-official cover using business fronts, academic positions, journalism credentials, or other civilian identities that provide access to target environments. The recruitment process involves extensive cultivation of potential agents, sometimes requiring years to establish trust before making an operational pitch. Katsas typically specialize in particular regions or languages, with Arabic speakers focusing on Arab countries, Persian speakers on Iran, Russian speakers on former Soviet states, and so forth. In larger stations such as Paris, London, or Washington, Mossad customarily maintains two senior controllers under embassy cover: one serving the Collections Department to manage intelligence gathering operations, and another serving the Political Action and Liaison Department to conduct diplomatic coordination and maintain relationships with host nation intelligence services.