03 — ORGANIZATION
Lakam
Lakam was a separate Israeli intelligence bureau, documented as active from 1957 to 1986, responsible for scientific and technological intelligence — including the collection of technical information abroad. Its most public controversy was the Jonathan Pollard espionage case of the 1980s.
Evidence Assessment
The bureau's existence, dates and the U.S. Pollard case record.
Internal Israeli decision-making is only partially public.
Key Facts
- Active:
- 1957–1986
- Role:
- Scientific and technological intelligence bureau
- Notable:
- Pollard case connection (documented in U.S. records)
- Evidence:
- Documented
A separate bureau
The A–Z records Lakam as a distinct Israeli intelligence bureau rather than part of the Mossad. Its mandate centered on scientific and technological intelligence.
The Pollard case
U.S. FBI historical and case records from the Jonathan Pollard investigation are among the encyclopedia's source families. The case is documented on the American side; Israeli institutional roles are described in the U.S. record and Israeli reporting.