Israeli Prime Minister appointed the former deputy of Mossad, Tamir Pardo to head the Israeli Intelligence agency.

Pardo served in senior positions in the Mossad for many years, as well as in various operative units. He left the agency in 2009, before which he served as deputy Mossad chief.

In a statement issued Monday, Netanyahu praised Pardo’s rich experience in the Mossad, and said he was certain that Pardo was the right man to lead the organization. Netanyahu also expressed his appreciation of outgoing Mossad chief Meir Dagan and his contribution to Israel’s security in the past 8 years.

Pardo also served in Sayeret Matkal- one of the IDF elite units, with Netanyahu’s older brother, the late Yoni Netanyahu, and is a close friend of the prime minister’s family.

Prado’s main challenge in the new role will be Iran’s nuclear race.