The dismissal of the deputy director of Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, has triggered renewed questions about the agency’s covert operations targeting Iran and possible divisions within its leadership.
The deputy director, known only as “A” or “Aleph,” was reportedly removed from his position by newly appointed Mossad chief Roman Gofman after more than 20 years of service.
Although Israel’s government described the move as part of a normal leadership transition, reports from Israeli media outlets suggest the decision may be linked to disagreements over strategy, succession, and the outcome of recent operations against Iran.
Aleph had served as deputy to former Mossad director David Barnea and was reportedly viewed as Barnea’s preferred successor. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed Gofman, his former military secretary, as the new Mossad chief.
Questions Over Iran Operation
Reports claim Aleph supervised a major covert operation launched about a year ago involving hundreds of personnel and an estimated budget of about $344 million.
The operation was reportedly aimed at weakening Iran’s leadership and creating conditions that could challenge the country’s ruling system. However, unnamed officials said the mission failed to achieve its expected results.
The development has increased attention on Israel’s long-running intelligence campaign against Iran, which has included cyber activities, intelligence gathering, sabotage efforts, and alleged support for groups opposed to Tehran.
Iran has repeatedly accused Israel of backing Kurdish groups as part of attempts to create instability, though such claims remain disputed.
Leadership Conflict or Accountability?
Sources within Mossad reportedly said Gofman’s decision was mainly about strengthening his authority rather than punishment for operational failures.
They claimed Aleph was closely associated with former director Barnea and that the new leadership wanted to build a team aligned with its own direction.
Mossad has not publicly linked Aleph’s removal to the reported Iran operation.
The agency, founded in 1949, is known for several successful intelligence missions but has also faced major failures and controversies, including past overseas operations that created diplomatic crises.
Why Changing Iran’s System Is Difficult
Analysts say Iran’s political and security structure is built to withstand external pressure.
The country’s power system includes the Supreme Leader, who controls the armed forces, alongside two major military structures:
The regular army responsible for national defence
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which protects the Islamic Republic and controls key missile and drone capabilities
Iran also has multiple intelligence bodies, including the Ministry of Intelligence and the IRGC Intelligence Unit, making efforts to influence or destabilise the system extremely challenging.
The removal of Mossad’s deputy has therefore raised broader questions about Israel’s intelligence strategy, leadership changes, and the effectiveness of covert efforts aimed at reshaping the balance of power in the Middle East.
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