David Barnea

Middle Israel: Roman Gofman's Mossad successes will be measured by Barnea's failures - opinion

After targeting Iranian nukes and missiles, the spy agency should now focus on dethroning the mullahs and confronting the "Anti-Zionist International."

|ByAMOTZ ASA-EL
ONE OF the Mossad’s notable failures is the botched assassination attempt of then-Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in 1997. The organization’s incoming chief, Roman Gofman, will need to both examine and reform the Mossad’s inner workings.
President Isaac Herzog hosts the President's Decoration Award Ceremony at the president house in Jerusalem. October 22, 2025.

Herzog awards Mossad, IAI, IAF prize for capability-expanding classified system - exclusive

Mossad chiefs Tamir Pardo, Yossi Cohen, and recently retired chief David Barnea all had a hand in advancing the program, without which it might not have reached the finish line. 

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
Mossad chief David Barnea attends a farewell ceremony in his honor, at the National Police Academy in Beit Shemesh, on July 14, 2024.

Ex-top Mossad official: Barnea led agency to unprecedented operational reach - interview

Former senior Mossad official Ilan Rom says Barnea’s leadership expanded the agency’s capabilities, allowing dozens of operations at once and boosting Israel’s regional influence.

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
Head of Mossad David Barnea attends a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. April 23, 2025.

David Barnea's Mossad revolution: How the spy agency became a war-fighting juggernaut - exclusive

After decades in the agency, and five years at its top, including some of the most crucial in Israel's history, Barnea also has some critical viewpoints which Israel and the world can learn from.

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

Trump, Netanyahu call halts Beirut strike as Barnea calls to topple Iran’s regime

The Jerusalem Post's must-listen news roundup with Shifra Jacobs—the top stories, clear and concise. 

JUNE 2, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
A PLACARD sends a clear message featuring US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as protesters gather near the UN office during US-Iran nuclear talks, in Geneva, Feb. 17.

Inside Israel’s secret operation to turn Hezbollah’s beepers into bombs - exclusive

MILITARY AFFAIRS: Insider 'Adam Feyn' reveals stunning details of Mossad’s “beepers” operation against Hezbollah in his new book, explaining the strategy and high-stakes decisions behind the mission.

MAY 21, 2026ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
MOSSAD OPERATIVE ‘Adam Feyn,’ who recently published a book in Hebrew called ‘Hoda’ah Goralit’ (Fateful Message), exploring the Hezbollah beeper operation, provides his first English-language interview about it to ‘The Jerusalem Post.’

Mossad chief, Shin Bet head visited UAE to coordinate during Operation Roaring Lion - report

The report comes just after the WSJ published that the UAE was behind some of the recent strikes against Iranian assets, such as the attacks on Lavan Island's refinery at the beginning of April.

MAY 13, 2026BySHIR PERETS
Mossad chief David Barnea (L) and Shin Bet chief David Zini at a Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall, in Jerusalem's Old City, April 20, 2026.

Netanyahu reprimands Mossad chief Barnea after sending letter opposing Gofman appointment

Prime Minister Netanyahu reprimanded outgoing Mossad head Barnea for sending a letter opposing Gofman's appointment as Mossad chief.

MAY 11, 2026ByIDAN KWELLER
Mossad chief David Barnea attends the 78th anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, on April 21, 2026.

Grunis Committee urges High Court to reject petitions against Gofman Mossad appointment

The High Court is set to hear the case on Tuesday, after two petitions challenged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to appoint Gofman, currently his military secretary, to replace Barnea.

MAY 7, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN
Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.

Iran’s instability as Mossad operations reshape the balance of power - opinion

Iran’s instability grows as intelligence operations reshape the regional balance.

MAY 6, 2026ByERFAN FARD
Head of Mossad David Barnea attends a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. April 23, 2025.

Netanyahu given option to hire private defense for incoming Mossad chief's disqualification case

Netanyahu may hire private counsel in a High Court case challenging his appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as Mossad chief, as petitions citing the Elmakayes affair seek to block the move.

APRIL 28, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attends a ceremony on the eve of Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror at Yad Lebanim in Jerusalem, April 20, 2026.

Mossad reached 'heart of enemies' secrets' in groundbreaking operations, chief Barnea reveals

Mossad Director David Barnea praised groundbreaking operations in target countries and highlighted the success of operations against Iran and Hezbollah during a citation ceremony.

APRIL 28, 2026ByJAMES GENN
MOSSAD CHIEF David Barnea attends a conference of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) in Tel Aviv earlier this year. On Sunday, he met with US envoy Steve Witkoff and a senior Qatari official, says the writer.

Mossad agent killed abroad significantly influenced Iran war, Barnea reveals

Barnea did not specify who M. was, when they fell, or which incident it was. He did not say where M. fell, only noting that it was outside of Israel's borders.

APRIL 21, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Mossad head David Barnea speaks on Israel's Rememberance Day on April 21, 2026.

High Court petition seeks to block Gofman’s Mossad appointment over Elmakayes affair

The petition was filed after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved Gofman’s appointment, after he cleared the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee, and ahead of his scheduled June 2 entry.

APRIL 14, 2026BySARAH BEN-NUN
Incoming Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.