Former Mossad director Yossi Cohen said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is not "mature enough," while speaking at the Taglit Global Business Summit on Monday.
"Apparently, he's not a mature enough person," said Cohen, before adding, "don't quote me [on that]."
Around 350 investors, entrepreneurs, senior executives, and philanthropists attended the inaugural event, according to a press release by the organizers, with additional speakers including Sir Ronald Cohen and Dana Azrieli.
At the economics-focused event, titled "Shaping Our Future Together," Cohen further spoke of the threat posed by Iran, saying that the regime "continues to advance its capabilities."
"We must ensure that these capabilities do not remain in its hands," he stressed.
Cohen: US-Israel cooperation on Iran something 'we always wanted to see'
Cohen spoke highly of the cooperation between Israel and the United States in confronting Iran, describing it as something he and others "always wanted to see."
"To see our forces on the ground in Iran, with the US military striking its nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles, and industrial facilities, that is precisely the kind of cooperation we aspired to," said Cohen.
He noted that he does not and has never believed that the Islamic regime can be "toppled from the outside."
"I believe this is something the Iranians themselves must do," he said. "I am well aware of how difficult and dangerous it is to take to the streets and protest against the regime, but I believe the regime is in a different position today. We have destroyed numerous facilities and plants in Iran, and have dealt a blow to its nuclear and missile capabilities."
The former Mossad chief said he believed that additional military action against Iran "will take place," but did not specify when, how, or what facilities would be targeted.
"Iran continues to advance its capabilities," he emphasized. "It may be restoring or refurbishing facilities, and we must ensure that these capabilities do not remain in its possession. Furthermore, the Iranians are not negotiating in good faith. [US] President [Donald] Trump insists on a 'good deal' and is unwilling to compromise on a 'bad deal.'"
Mossad responsible to ensure safety of Jews in Diaspora, Cohen says
Regarding rising antisemitism in the Diaspora, Cohen recognized the issue as occurring in "Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and elsewhere."
"It is the responsibility of the Mossad to ensure that Israelis and Jews worldwide remain safe, wherever they may be," he said. "We carry out some of these operations ourselves, while others are conducted in cooperation with local security and law enforcement authorities. This is an ongoing effort to which the Mossad dedicates significant resources. It is vital to ensure the safety of Jewish communities outside of Israel. Israel needs the Diaspora and its support."