Yossi Cohen
Yossi Cohen is a prominent Israeli intelligence figure who served as the Director of the Mossad from 2016 to 2021. Known for his proactive approach to the Iranian nuclear threat, he oversaw the landmark 2018 seizure of Iran's nuclear archive and has recently disclosed internal strategic debates regarding Gaza and operational preparations for high-stakes missions.
Yossi Cohen's tenure as the head of Israel's national intelligence agency was defined by a shift toward high-profile, strategic operations aimed at neutralizing Iran's nuclear ambitions. His leadership is most closely associated with the 2018 raid on a warehouse in Tehran's Shurabad district, which yielded half a ton of documents detailing Iran's clandestine nuclear program. Cohen has recently revealed that this operation was preceded by a full-scale rehearsal in Africa to ensure precision under extreme pressure. He maintains that the intelligence gathered was the primary catalyst for the U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA nuclear deal. Beyond the Iranian front, Cohen has recently shed light on the internal security dynamics prior to the October 7, 2023, massacre. He disclosed that he had proposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Mossad take an active role in intelligence operations within the Gaza Strip—a domain traditionally managed by the Shin Bet (ISA) and IDF Intelligence. While Netanyahu reportedly supported the initiative, Cohen states it was blocked by the defense establishment and Shin Bet leadership, who argued their existing intelligence coverage was sufficient. This revelation adds a significant layer to the ongoing national discourse regarding the intelligence failures leading up to the Hamas invasion. Cohen remains a central figure in Israeli public life, often cited in discussions regarding future political leadership and national security doctrine. His career reflects a 'security-first' philosophy, emphasizing the necessity of offensive intelligence and international diplomatic leverage to ensure Israeli sovereignty.