Mossad
Mossad is Israel's national intelligence agency, responsible for foreign intelligence collection, covert operations, and counterterrorism. Under the leadership of Director Roman Gofman, the agency has recently been linked to high-stakes strategic operations in Iran, including the alleged cultivation of former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as a post-regime asset.
Mossad — formally HaMossad LeModi'in U'LeTafkidim Meyuchadim (the Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations) — was established in 1949. It serves as one of Israel's three primary intelligence pillars alongside Shin Bet and Aman, but is unique in its focus on operations beyond the nation's borders. Reporting directly to the Prime Minister, the agency maintains a high degree of political proximity and operational autonomy. Historically, Mossad is credited with legendary missions such as the capture of Adolf Eichmann and the disruption of hostile nuclear programs. In the current security landscape of 2026, the agency's primary focus remains the neutralization of the Iranian threat.
Recent reporting has highlighted a shift toward deep strategic influence operations within the Iranian leadership. Investigations published in July 2026 suggest that Mossad, under former chief Dedi Barnea and continuing into the tenure of Roman Gofman, engaged in a multi-year effort to recruit former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. These reports allege that Mossad held secret meetings with Ahmadinejad in Budapest as early as 2024 and provided financial support to position him as a potential leader following a regime collapse. During the opening phase of Operation Roaring Lion in February 2026, Mossad agents reportedly conducted a high-risk extraction of Ahmadinejad from his compound following an Israeli airstrike, highlighting the agency's ability to operate kinetically and clandestinely deep within enemy territory.
Internally, the agency is undergoing a leadership transition. Roman Gofman, who assumed command in June 2026, has begun reshaping the senior ranks, including the replacement of long-serving deputy 'A'. This reshuffle coincides with a period of direct military confrontation between Israel and the Iranian axis, placing Mossad at the forefront of Israel's national resilience and security strategy.