David Barnea

IDF intel, Mossad chiefs recently visit US in one-two punch for advice on handling Iran

IDF intelligence chief Maj.-Gen. Shlomi Binder met with top US military officials on Tuesday as the US aircraft carrier, the USS Abraham Lincoln, arrived in the region.

Members of the National Guard walk near the White House on the National Mall, in Washington, DC, US, August 21, 2025
US President Donald Trump seen in the Oval Office in the White House in Washington, DC, US, January 14, 2026

Trump 'greatly respects' Iran's cancellation of scheduled hangings, gives thanks

Protestors burn images of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during a rally held in Solidarity with Iran's Uprising, organised by The national Council of Resistance of Iran, on Whitehall in central London on January 11, 2026.

How deeply are Israel's Mossad spymasters involved in Iran protest crisis? - analysis

Illustrative Mossad agent.

Mossad spurs Iran protests, says agents with demonstrators in Farsi message


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

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.

 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.

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

Mossad chief Barnea: Zero tolerance for games from Hamas

Recent developments are drawing greater attention to the agency's role in the region.

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

Mossad head receives list of released hostages in trip to Qatar

Every day, Barnea will receive a list with the names of the hostages who will be released the following day, according to N12.

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

Mossad, CIA chiefs meet Qatar PM in Doha on Gaza hostage deal - source

The outcome of the talks between the American and Israeli intelligence agency heads with the Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani was unclear.

 David Barnea, the head of the Israeli Mossad attends an honour guard ceremony for Israel's incoming military chief Herzi Halevi at Israel's Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv, Israel January 16, 2023.