David Barnea

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

After targeting Iranian nukes and missiles, the spy agency should now focus on dethroning the mullahs and confronting the "Anti-Zionist International."

|ByAMOTZ ASA-EL
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.
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

Mossad chiefs Tamir Pardo, Yossi Cohen, and recently retired chief David Barnea all had a hand in advancing the program, without which it might not have reached the finish line. 

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
Mossad chief David Barnea attends a farewell ceremony in his honor, at the National Police Academy in Beit Shemesh, on July 14, 2024.

Ex-top Mossad official: Barnea led agency to unprecedented operational reach - interview

Former senior Mossad official Ilan Rom says Barnea’s leadership expanded the agency’s capabilities, allowing dozens of operations at once and boosting Israel’s regional influence.

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
Head of Mossad David Barnea attends a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. April 23, 2025.

David Barnea's Mossad revolution: How the spy agency became a war-fighting juggernaut - exclusive

After decades in the agency, and five years at its top, including some of the most crucial in Israel's history, Barnea also has some critical viewpoints which Israel and the world can learn from.

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

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.

MARCH 16, 2024ByREUTERS, TOVAH LAZAROFF
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.

MARCH 9, 2024ByREUTERS, TOVAH LAZAROFF
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.

FEBRUARY 24, 2024ByRINA BASSIST, TOVAH LAZAROFF
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.

FEBRUARY 22, 2024ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
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

FEBRUARY 19, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
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."

JANUARY 3, 2024ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
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.

DECEMBER 31, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
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.

DECEMBER 19, 2023ByBARAK RAVID/WALLA
The flags of Israel and Qatar

Mossad Chief Barnea meets with US National Security Advisor Sullivan

There has been no order preventing Barnea or the Mossad from returning to Qatar to restart hostage negotiations.

DECEMBER 15, 2023ByYONAH JEREMY BOB
Mossad Director David Barnea speaks during a Conference of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), in Tel Aviv, on September 10, 2023.

Israel denies Netanyahu blocked Mossad from restarting hostage talks

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said that they feel like the government is playing "Russian roulette" with the hostages.

DECEMBER 14, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seen next to Mossad Director David Barnea at a pre-Passover toast, on April 4, 2023.