Outgoing Mossad Chief: No Choice But to Escalate Operations Against Iran
Outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea declared a need to escalate operations against Iran, stating the regime "will fall," following US sanctions.
Jerusalem, 27 August, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea said Thursday that Iran’s extremist regime cannot be allowed to remain in power and praised President Trump’s decision to impose tough sanctions on Tehran.
“But sanctions are only another step,” Barnea said. “There will be no choice but to escalate economic, diplomatic and operational measures against this regime until its downfall. And it will fall.”
Speaking at an award ceremony with Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion, Barnea, who ended his term in June 2026, said Israel’s strategic position is “far better” than it was before the October 7 massacre. “We have changed the equation,” he said.
Barnea said Hezbollah had suffered devastating blows and that Hamas no longer exists as the organized and threatening army it once was.
He praised the IDF and stressed that Israel’s national resilience depends on unity within Israeli society.