JERUSALEM — Outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea called for Israel to remain committed to toppling Iran's Islamic regime during his retirement ceremony in Jerusalem on June 1, 2026.
"I promised that Iran would never get a nuclear weapon. Today, when the Iranian regime is at its weakest, most challenged, and most wounded, this is the time to complete the job, and to pay back the regime which engraved destroying us on its flag. We are at the height of a historic and important campaign," Barnea said.
"I believed, and I still believe, that a change in the reality in Iran by virtue of toppling the regime is a possible and achievable goal. This is a possible goal. And clearly this matter will require persistence, a cool head, and commitment to the mission," he said. "But this is our obligation to future generations. This mission must remain as our top priority."
During the ceremony, Barnea addressed the transition of leadership to Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, who was recently approved by the High Court of Justice as the next Mossad chief. Barnea had previously opposed Gofman’s appointment before the court, but in his farewell speech, he expressed full support for his successor.
"We have complex challenges ahead of us, which go to the heart of the security of the State of Israel, and the Mossad will have a central and influential role regarding them. The success of Maj.-Gen. Gofman is the same as the success of the Mossad and the success of the entire State of Israel," Barnea said. He also sent a letter to all Mossad operatives stating, "I expect that all of you to stand by Maj.-Gen. Gofman, and to continue to support his entrance to the role [of Mossad chief] in the best way possible," and reiterated those principles in person to Gofman and the agency’s full staff during the exit ceremony.
No independent assessment of David Barnea’s claims was available.