Former Mossad director Yossi Cohen disclosed in an interview with French radio RCJ that before the October 7 attack, he proposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Mossad join intelligence operations in the Gaza Strip. According to Cohen, Netanyahu fully supported the idea, but the Shin Bet chief and defense establishment heads at the time firmly opposed it, arguing they had sufficient intelligence on Gaza.
In an interview with French radio RCJ published Wednesday, former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen disclosed that ahead of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, he proposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Mossad be integrated into intelligence-gathering operations in the Gaza Strip. According to Cohen, Netanyahu supported the proposal fully. However, the head of the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) and senior defense establishment figures of the time objected vigorously, asserting that the Shin Bet and military intelligence already possessed sufficient coverage of the Strip, making Mossad involvement unnecessary.
As The Zioneer reported earlier Wednesday in its initial coverage, Cohen had already made a broader statement on the matter. The new radio interview provides specific timing and additional context on the internal debate — highlighting a significant pre-war disagreement between the political echelon and key security chiefs. It remains unclear whether the defense establishment's objections shifted after October 7. Cohen's remarks add a layer of detail to the well-documented pre-war intelligence and policy disputes.
2 developments
- DevelopingSenate Intel Chair Tom Cotton Proposes Bill Integrating CIA and Mossad Intelligence
- DevelopingYossi Cohen reveals Mossad rehearsed Iran archive raid in Africa
- DevelopingShin Bet chief warns next October 7 could be in Eilat
- StrongDiplomats say Gaza ceasefire deal unlikely before Israeli elections, US official pushes for Hamas disarmament first
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- Internal intake