The Mossad's role in indirect contact with Qatar may have caused officials from the intelligence agency to object to Israel's Tuesday airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in Doha, a former senior Mossad official told 103FM on Thursday.
'A,' speaking with 103FM's Nissim Mishal, and Geula Even-Sa'ar, noted that while he did not have information on whether Mossad Director David Barnea objected to the attack, he "hoped that there were some who objected" within the organization.
"The Mossad is a highly professional, operational organization," the former official noted. "I would hope that not everyone were 'yes-men' when discussions are being held.
"I know Barnea - a fantastic Mossad director with rich operational experience. I suspect that during discussions held within the forum of the Mossad and the security cabinet, the benefits of the strike were debated," he told 103FM.
Mossad chief may have objected to leave room for hostage talks
'A' explained that, as part of the responsibilities of his role, the Mossad director is tasked with establishing close relationships based on trust with Arab leaders, including those from Qatar. "Barnea was at the head of a pyramid of officials heading negotiations for the release of Gaza hostages," he expanded.
"If there was an objection [from the Mossad], then it would arise from the fact that the organization has a duty to be in all the places the official State of Israel cannot be in. If [Barnea] sent out messages of objection, it is to leave an opening for continuation of talks," the former official analyzed.
"The facts show that Qatar was chosen, either rightfully or wrongfully, to be a mediator in the Gaza war by both Israel and the Americans. We are in the homestretch, but Qatar is the one that has been working to free hostages."
On Tuesday, Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck a building in the Qatari capital of Doha, in an attack the IDF and Shin Bet described as an attempt on the life of Hamas leadership stationed in the Gulf state.
The attack involved 15 fighter jets, which dropped 10 bombs, killing six people. These included a Qatari security officer and the son of Khalil al-Hayya, a member of Hamas’ five-member temporary governing committee. Hamas said its top leadership survived in what appears to be the first publicly acknowledged Israeli strike on Qatari territory.
On the strike, 'A' noted that its still-unknown results were secondary to the message it sent: "Do not harm Israeli and Jews. We have files on every terrorist, wherever they may be."