Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, today announced, at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting, that he has decided to extend the appointment of Meir Dagan as Director of the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations (the “Mossad”; http://www.mossad.gov.il/default.aspx) until the end of 2009.  The Prime Minister said: “Meir Dagan has fulfilled his duties with exceptional success.  The Mossad’s list of achievements over the past six years has been very impressive.  There is no doubt that there is momentum in the Mossad’s work; more than this cannot be said.  Thus, I thought it proper that Meir Dagan continue in office and I have sent him a letter-of-appointment.  I would like to take this opportunity to also congratulate Mossad personnel, wherever they are, for their dedication.”