The Israeli foreign intelligence service is witnessing a shock “of a dangerous strategic dimension”, after three generals - members of the Chiefs of Staff and heads of three central divisions - submitted their resignations in protest at fundamental changes made by the agency’s new chief, David Barnea.
Former Mossad officials warned of the consequences of these changes, and their impact on the planned operations in the near term.
According to well-informed sources, the divisions that saw their heads resign, include the Technology, the War on Terror, and the Tsumet, which is responsible for operating agents. The head of the Strategic War division is also expected to resign.
Many believe that the latest developments would leave devastating effects and undermine strategic operations.
According to a former high-ranking source in the apparatus, at least two of the resigned generals were considered among the main candidates to head the Mossad in the future, that is, after the end of Barnea’s term.
The former Mossad chief, Yossi Cohen, had established strong friendly relations within the apparatus, and was able to focus most efforts on foreign operations, especially those carried out on Iranian soil to combat the nuclear project.
Barnea, who was appointed to the post by former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and took office in early June, decided to make fundamental changes within the Mossad, cancelling several departments, which he considered old and not useful, and merging some others.
As a result, a large number of senior officers will lose their jobs and will have to leave the service, while other generals will lose their powers, sparking great anger in their ranks.
