List of directors of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department

The Director of the Jordanian General Intelligence Department (GID) holds a pivotal position within Jordan's national security apparatus. Obtaining specific details about the role's responsibilities and powers may be challenging due to the secretive nature of intelligence agencies and limited public disclosure. However, information about the GID and its operations can sometimes be found in analyses and reports from organizations specializing in security and intelligence matters. These sources often provide insights into the role and significance of intelligence agency in Jordan.[1]

Director of General Intelligence Department
مدير دائرة المخابرات العامة
The Jordanian Flag
Incumbent
Ahmad Hatoqai
Acting 
since 1 May 2019
StyleHis Excellency
Reports toKing of Jordan
ResidenceAmmman, Jordan
AppointerThe King of Jordan
Inaugural holderMohammad Rasoul Al–Kilani
Formation1964; 60 years ago (1964)
First holderMohammad Rasoul Al–Kilani
SalaryClassified
WebsiteGID website

The Director of the GID is typically responsible for overseeing the intelligence activities of Jordan, both domestically and internationally.[2] The director is also tasked with counterintelligence efforts to protect Jordan's interests from external and internal threats. The director is appointed by the King of Jordan, and the position reports directly to the monarch. The appointment process and criteria for selecting the director may not be publicly disclosed, as it involves sensitive national security considerations.[2]

The GID is considered one of the most influential institutions in Jordan, with a significant role in shaping the country's security policies.[3] The director wields considerable power and influence within Jordan's security establishment. The GID often collaborates closely with foreign intelligence agencies, particularly those of Western countries like the United States and the United Kingdom.[4] The GID has played a crucial role in safeguarding Jordan's stability and security, particularly in the face of regional conflicts and terrorist threats. Past directors have been known for their discretion and effectiveness in managing intelligence operations.[5]

List of directors

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No. Portrait Director of Jordanian General Intelligence Took office Left office Time in office Ref.
1Al-Kailani, MohammadBrigadier General
Mohammad Rasoul Al–Kailani
(1933–2003)
Founder and First Director of Jordanian Intelligence
196419683–4[6][7]
2Badran, MudarMajor General
Mudar Badran
(1934–2023)
196819701–2[8]
3Rshaid, NatheerBrigadier General
Natheer Rshaid
(1929–2024)
197019743–4[9]
4Obeidat, AhmadLieutenant General
Ahmad Obeidat
(born 1938)
The Longest-Serving Intelligence Director
197419827–8[10]
5Alaa El-Din, TariqBrigadier General
Tariq Alaa El-Din
(1935–2024)
198219896–7[11]
6Al-Qaisi, MustafaGeneral
Mustafa Al-Qaisi
(1938–2019)
198919966–7[12]
7Al-Bateekhi, SameehLieutenant General
Sameeh Al-Bateekhi
(born 1943)
He received a 4-year prison sentence in 2003.
199620003–4[13][14]
8Khair, Sa'adMarshal
Sa'ad Khair
(1956–2009)
The only director of Jordanian intelligence to have achieved the rank of field marshal.
November 2000May 6, 20054–5[15]
9Asfoura, SamihMajor General
Samih Asfoura
The Shortest Term for a Director of Intelligence
May 6, 2005December 20, 2005228 days[16]
10Al-Dhahabi, MohammadBrigadier General
Mohammad Al-Dhahabi
He received a 13-year prison sentence in 2012 and was released in late 2023.
December 20, 2005December 29, 20083 years, 9 days[17]
11Al-Raqqad, MohammadBrigadier General
Mohammad Al-Raqqad
(1965–2020)
December 30, 2008October 17, 20112 years, 291 days[18]
12Al-Shoubaki, FaisalGeneral
Faisal Al-Shoubaki
October 17, 2011March 30, 20175 years, 164 days[19]
13Al-Jundi, AdnanLieutenant General
Adnan Al-Jundi
March 30, 2017May 1, 20192 years, 32 days[20]
14Hatoqai, AhmadBrigadier General
Ahmad Husni Hatoqai
May 1, 2019Incumbent5 years, 184 days[21][22]

References

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  1. ^ Husni, Ahmad. "Director of the General Intelligence Department (GID)". General Intelligence Department.
  2. ^ a b "General Intelligence Department".
  3. ^ Warrick, Joby (2010-01-04). "Jordan emerges as key CIA counterterrorism ally". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  4. ^ "[osint] "Clandestine Ties to Jordan Aid CIA Operations in Middle East"". www.mail-archive.com. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  5. ^ "Jordanian intelligence RANKED #1". The Mideastwire Blog. 2011-10-02. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  6. ^ "Maj. Gen. Mohammed Rasoul Al-Kailani". psd.gov.jo. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  7. ^ "King Hussein of Jordan: A Political Life 9780300142518". dokumen.pub. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  8. ^ "Former Jordanian PM Mudar Badran Passes Away". english.aawsat. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  9. ^ "Royal Court Chief Attends Funeral of Former Interior Minister". petra.gov.jo. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  10. ^ "H.E. Ahmad Obeidat". Obeidat Law. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  11. ^ "Salama writes: Matt Zeina Knights Tariq - Jordan Vista". vista.sahafi.jo. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  12. ^ Jbour, Hani Al (2022-04-21), "10 Jordan", Intelligence Communities and Cultures in Asia and the Middle East, Lynne Rienner Publishers, pp. 163–176, doi:10.1515/9781626378957-010, ISBN 978-1-62637-895-7, retrieved 2024-05-24, Mustafa al-Qaisi, who was appointed after his dismissal from the General Security to be assigned as a Director General, who is normally appointed by the king, in 1982.
  13. ^ "Countries at the Crossroads 2006 - Jordan". Refworld. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  14. ^ "المخابرات الأردنية تخفض سجن مديرها السابق لأربعة أعوام". الجزيرة نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  15. ^ "Jordan: Living in the Crossfire 9781350220928, 9781842774700, 9781842774717". dokumen.pub. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  16. ^ "Jordan gets new intelligence chief". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  17. ^ "الذهبي ثاني مدير مخابرات بالسجن". الجزيرة نت (in Arabic). Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  18. ^ "Jordan at the brink, again". December 30, 2008. Presumably his replacement, Mohammed Raqad -- whose prior assignment was in the northern city of Irbid -- will have fewer ideas about outreach to Hamas.
  19. ^ "King bestows Al Nahda medal on intelligence chief". Jordan Times. 2014-06-10. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  20. ^ "King appoints new intelligence chief, orders changes". Jordan Times. 2017-03-30. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  21. ^ "Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni appointed as head of intelligence department". Jordan Times. 2019-05-02. Retrieved 2024-05-24.
  22. ^ "Royal Decree appoints Husni as new intelligence chief". 2019-05-02. Retrieved 2024-05-24.