For 47 years of Islamic Republic rule, whenever a major crisis involving Iran erupted, Israeli—and at times international—media repeatedly turned to Eliezer Tsafrir for insight and perspective.
That was due to Tsafrir’s deep familiarity with Iranian affairs, forged during his senior service in the Shin Bet and later the Mossad. He lived in Iran with his family for three years before the Islamic Republic came to power, witnessing firsthand the instability triggered by the uprising against the Pahlavi monarchy. He was also present during the return of Ruhollah Khomeini and the rise of Iran’s clerical regime.
Tsafrir passed away in recent days against the backdrop of mass protests across Iran and a lethal crackdown that has led to widespread killings. According to Israeli media, he died on January 18 at the age of 92 in his hometown of Ramat Hasharon. His funeral was held the following day, attended by several former colleagues, his children, and grandchildren.
Even 47 years after his final days in Tehran, Tsafrir followed developments in Iran closely and, despite his advanced age, never concealed his longing to visit the country again. His last interviews with Israeli and international outlets were published during the 12 days of the Israel–Iran war last summer.
