No. 40: David Barnea: The Mossad chief who took Israel’s covert fight deep into enemy territory

David Barnea's tenure as Mossad chief from June 2021 to June 2026 is highlighted by significant operations, including the "exploding beeper" operation against Hezbollah and the disruption of Iran's nuclear program. He also played a role in the return of Israeli hostages and thwarting terror plots overseas. Barnea, who recently stepped down, believes Iran's regime will fall through a combination of operations, economic pressure, and internal protests. In a speech, he stated, "The decision to place the most severe sanctions on Iran was correct and praiseworthy. But the sanctions are just another stage." He emphasized the need for escalated actions until the regime falls, a process he estimated could take a year or more after a conflict concludes. Barnea has since joined Ondas as its global president and chairman, focusing on autonomous systems and defense technologies.