Jerusalem, Dec 8 (IANS): Yossi Cohen, the current National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was named next chief of the Mossad, the Israeli spy agency.

Cohen will replace Tamir Pardo who will finish his five-year tenure in January, Xinhua quoted Netanyahu as saying on Monday.

"Yossi has a rich experience and has reached many achievements in various fields of the Mossad's activity," he said.

"He has leadership and professional skills that are required from someone who is set to lead the organisation," he added.

The Israeli leader has the authority to nominate its chief on his own, as the Mossad operates under direct authority of the prime minister.

Yossi Cohen, 54-years-old from Jerusalem, served in the Mossad for thirty years.

He managed the operation of agents in various countries throughout the Middle East, Europe, Africa and Southeast Asia, and served as the deputy director to the spy agency between 2011 and 2013.

Netanyahu appointed Cohen as national security adviser in 2013, and Cohen is considered his close confidant.

Cohen will serve as the 12th head of the agency since its foundation in 1949.