Mossad chief says agency penetrated ‘core’ of Iran, Lebanon secrets, hails ‘groundbreaking’ operations

Mossad chief David Barnea says the agency has penetrated “the core of the enemy’s secrets” and carried out “groundbreaking” operations in Iran and beyond, during a ceremony honoring outstanding missions from 2025.

Speaking at the Mossad headquarters last night, Barnea highlighted what he described as a shift in the agency’s role during wartime, saying it has become a more offensive and effective organization alongside the IDF in campaigns against Iran and its proxy terror group Hezbollah.

“We obtained strategic and tactical intelligence at the core of the enemy’s secrets,” he said. “We demonstrated new and groundbreaking operational capabilities in target countries.”

Barnea said Mossad operations had helped enable strikes “in the heart of Tehran,” the “thwarting of senior operatives,” and efforts to secure Israel’s air superiority and defend the home front.

“The operations recognized this year enabled us to break boundaries in Lebanon and Iran,” he said, adding that the agency had also “carried out the covert diplomatic campaign, whose importance is critical for forging regional alliances and expanding Israel’s strategic depth.”

He stressed that cooperation with the military had “changed Israel’s strategic posture,” but warned that threats remain.

“We will not rest on our laurels,” Barnea said. “When we identify a threat, we will act with full force.”