David Barnea

Netanyahu backs Gofman as new Mossad chief, praises military record

Netanyahu praised Roman Gofman as bold and creative after appointing him Mossad chief, expressing confidence he will strengthen Israel’s security.

Incoming Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and incoming Mossad chief Roman Gofman ordering the strikes on Iranian officials, March 16, 2026.

Roman Gofman approved as new Mossad director, PMO confirms

Fires are lit as protesters rally on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

'Toppling a regime is an art, not a science,' security sources say on Iran - exclusive

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.

Iran regime change likely to take a year, Mossad chief Barnea predicted on eve of war


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.

Plane used by Israeli officials spent hours in Egypt, suggesting hostage negotiation activity

The flight is suspected to have been part of ongoing efforts outside the public view to negotiate for the release of Israeli hostages currently held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

 View from the control tower at Ben Gurion International Airport, on Novembe 15, 2018.

Past, present Mossad leadership makes secret trip to Qatar

The details, and any potential results, of Barnea and Cohen's trip to Qatar have not yet been revealed.

 Head of Mossad David Barnea attends the state ceremony marking 50 years since the Yom Kippur War.

Mossad denies 'fake news' it secretly met with Israeli protest leader

"[This is] totally fake news," the Mossad statement explained. "The director of the Mossad did not meet with Shikma Bressler.

 Physicist Shikma Bressler speaks during a protest, in Tel Aviv, August 5.