Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea has made it clear that Mossad’s mission against Iran is far from over and will only be considered complete once the current regime is replaced.
Speaking at a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at Mossad headquarters on April 14, 2026, Mossad Director David Barnea stated: “Our mission has not yet been accomplished. We did not think this mission would be completed immediately after the fighting subsided, but planned for the campaign to continue beyond the strikes in Tehran.”
“Regime Must Cease to Exist”
Barnea added firmly: “Our commitment will be fulfilled only when this extreme regime is replaced. A regime that seeks our destruction must cease to exist. We will not stand idly by in the face of another existential threat guided by the command: never again.”
Pushing Back on Criticism
The remarks come amid criticism that Israel, including Mossad, had raised overly optimistic expectations with the US about a quick collapse of Iran’s government during the recent war. Barnea appeared to counter reports (including in The New York Times) suggesting Israel presented unrealistic assessments to the Trump administration about rapid regime change.
He emphasised that the strategy was always designed for a longer-term effort, potentially lasting months after active fighting, rather than expecting an immediate uprising during the strikes on Tehran.
Long-Term Strategy
Barnea highlighted that 40 days of intense fighting delivered “highly significant achievements,” including major damage to Iran’s capabilities and disruption of threats against Israeli civilians, thanks in part to deep Mossad intelligence from inside Tehran.
The comments underscore Israel’s determination to pursue regime change in Iran through sustained intelligence and covert operations, even as indirect US-Iran ceasefire talks continue in Islamabad.