David Barnea

Gofman takes Mossad by storm, as spy org. ramps up plans to topple Islamic regime

New Mossad Director Roman Gofman, the first outsider to lead the spy agency since 2011, is exploring new methods to topple Iran's Islamic regime.

Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds first working meeting with the Director of the Mossad Roman Gofman at the Mossad headquarters.

Netanyahu holds first working meeting with new Mossad chief Gofman

ONE OF the Mossad’s notable failures is the botched assassination attempt of then-Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in 1997. The organization’s incoming chief, Roman Gofman, will need to both examine and reform the Mossad’s inner workings.

Middle Israel: Roman Gofman's Mossad successes will be measured by Barnea's failures - opinion

President Isaac Herzog hosts the President's Decoration Award Ceremony at the president house in Jerusalem. October 22, 2025.

Herzog awards Mossad, IAI, IAF prize for capability-expanding classified system - exclusive


Hostage deal gaps narrow as Israel and US join talks in Qatar

Mossad Chief David Barnea to meet CIA Director William Burns in Qatar. Blinken says gaps between Hamas and Israel narrowing in hostage talks.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Mossad direct David Barnea on May 12, 2023

Mossad chief-led delegation leaves for extended Hamas hostage negotiations

The official explained that this is the first time since the current round of negotiations started that the negotiating team has more specific positions and discretion to finalize a variety of items.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Mossad direct David Barnea on May 12, 2023

Mossad chief expected to resume Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha on Sunday

The talks between Israel, Qatar, and Egypt will reportedly focus on remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas, including over prisoner releases and humanitarian aid.

 Mossad Director David Barnea speaks during a Conference of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), in Tel Aviv, on September 10, 2023.

Mossad: Hamas wants to ignite region on Ramadan more than it wants a hostage deal

The Mossad charged that Hamas is seeking to escalate tensions ahead of Ramadan at the expense of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

 YAHYA SINWAR, leader of Hamas in Gaza, attends a rally in Gaza City marking the terror organization's 35th anniversary last December. Sinwar has once again aimed the arrow at Israel's Achilles' heel, argues the writer.

Israel to send delegation to Qatar amid optimism about hostage deal

Israel has insisted that any deal must allow for the IDF to complete its military campaign against Hamas.

 Gaza hostage families protest on Ayalon highway on January 18, 2024

What is Mossad chief David Barnea’s role in hostage negotiations? - analysis

Part of what has made Barnea crucial is the high respect accorded to him by all of the key players.

 Head of Mossad David Barnea attends the state ceremony marking 50 years since the Yom Kippur War, held at the military cemetery at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl, on September 26, 2023

Gantz and Gallant attack Netanyahu: 'You bypassed the defense establishment'

Gantz made the statements amid complaints that Netanyahu was making decisions concerning efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas on his own without consulting the War Cabinet

Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz

Mossad chief Barnea: Every October 7 terrorist is a dead man

"Also today, we are in the heat of a war, the Mossad, like 50 years ago, is obligated to settle the score with murderers who invaded the Gaza corridor on October 7."

 Mossad Director David Barnea speaks during a Conference of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), in Tel Aviv, on September 10, 2023.

Mossad chief approved to proceed with Qatari hostage release proposal

The proposal would include the release of 40-50 hostages in exchange for a ceasefire lasting a few weeks.

 Defense Minister Yoav Gallant seen with Mossad director David Barnea as part of the war cabinet on November 19, 2023

Israel tells Qatar that they're ready for week-long truce for 40 hostages

Barnea: the war will only end when Hamas lays down its arms and hands over all those responsible and involved in the massacre on October 7.

 The flags of Israel and Qatar