David Barnea

Netanyahu backs Gofman as new Mossad chief, praises military record

Netanyahu praised Roman Gofman as bold and creative after appointing him Mossad chief, expressing confidence he will strengthen Israel’s security.

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.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and incoming Mossad chief Roman Gofman ordering the strikes on Iranian officials, March 16, 2026.

Roman Gofman approved as new Mossad director, PMO confirms

Fires are lit as protesters rally on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

'Toppling a regime is an art, not a science,' security sources say on Iran - exclusive

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.

Iran regime change likely to take a year, Mossad chief Barnea predicted on eve of war


Netanyahu calls for secret meeting to discuss Palestinian evacuation from Gaza - report

The Mossad was reportedly tasked with figuring out which countries would be willing to accept the evacuated Palestinians, so that future diplomatic avenues could be explored.

Displaced Palestinians seen near their tents near the sea in Gaza City, September 2, 2025.

Mossad: Beeper explosions, Nasrallah assassination operations so successful bordering on 'fantasy'

The beeper explosions on September 17, 2024, were credited with shell-shocking Hezbollah into freezing under fire as it lost 3,500 agents and officials across Lebanon all at once with no warning.

Mossad Director 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.

Current Gaza deal 'no longer relevant,' talks will resume on Israel's terms, official says - N12

A new venue for negotiations, outside of Qatar and Egypt, is reportedly to be up for debate, with a European capital or the United Arab Emirates (UAE) presented among the potential options.

Israelis demonstrate for an immediate hostage deal, August 16, 2025.

Hamas may agree to a 'partial' hostage deal, classified PM's document shows - report

Channel 12 reported on a classified document received by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, hours after Mossad's Barnea trip to Qatar.

Hamas terrorists seen before a hostage release in Gaza City, February 1, 2025

Mossad chief conducting extensive hostage talks in Doha despite previous reports - exclusive

In recent days, Qatar and Egypt have been working on a framework for a deal that would include the release of all hostages and an end to the war.

Mossad director David Barnea seen over a wall of hostage posters in Tel Aviv (illustrative)

Clash between IDF, Mossad over war: Who gets blame for failures, credit for victories? - exclusive

A number of disputes between the IDF and the Mossad have turned some life-long friends from the rival agencies into harsh public critics of each other.

 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.

Ex-IDF chief Halevi slams Mossad chief: 'Takes credit for IDF-led operations' - report

In meetings, Halevi reportedly criticized Barnea’s performance, particularly during the 12-Day War against Iran. 

 Responsible: IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi

How Yossi Cohen set stage for Hezbollah beepers, Iran tech surprises, assassinations - exclusive

The true foundations for Mossad's operations in Lebanon and Iran were laid by Israel's "project manager" for Iran, The Jerusalem Post has learned.

Former Mossad head Yossi Cohen is seen speaking at the Jerusalem Post annual conference at the Museum of Tolerance in Jerusalem, on October 12, 2021

'Powerful synergy': Netanyahu hails Mossad's cooperation with IDF during Iran war

Netanyahu expressed his belief that Israel stands currently "at a strong and strategic point."

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Mossad Director Barnea hold meeting together, July 3, 2025.

Mossad chief Barnea most trusted official among Arab Israelis, IDI poll reveals

In a poll conducted during Operation Rising Lion, the IDI learned that only 40% of Israeli adults have retained trust in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Mossad director David Barnea seen over a wall of hostage posters in Tel Aviv (illustrative)