Two Israeli Media Outlets: Mossad Chief Calls for Attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran

On Wednesday, January 5, Haaretz newspaper and Channel 13 reported that David Barnea, the head of Israel's foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, has pressured the country's leaders to focus their efforts on attacking Iran to 'contain the Houthi attacks.' According to the report, this position contrasts with that of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, who prefer to continue attacks against the Houthis in Yemen. Haaretz cited a source familiar with the discussions on this matter, although Israeli officials have not yet confirmed it. The report noted that these discussions were prompted by the lack of success in three previous rounds of Israeli attacks in Yemen. While Netanyahu and Katz support continuing direct attacks against the Houthis or their allies, Barnea believes that targeting Iran, which finances and arms the Houthis and has long supported this group, would be more effective. In recent days, Netanyahu, Katz, and Israeli military leaders have announced that the country intends to expand its attacks against the Houthis, including targeting the leaders of this Iran-backed group. In this context, Channel 13 quoted David Barnea as saying, 'We must confront Iran directly. If we only attack the Houthis, it is unclear whether we can stop them.' The report states that Netanyahu disagrees with Barnea's assessment, believing that Iran is 'a different issue that will be addressed at the appropriate time.' This view has been confirmed by senior members of security agencies in discussions with the television channel, but Channel 13 did not provide further details. Nevertheless, Herzi Halevi, the Chief of Staff of the Israeli Army, warned on Wednesday during a graduation ceremony for pilots that the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies, as well as the entire Middle East, should know that 'whoever seeks to undermine the stability and security of Israel will face a steadfast Israeli army ready to act at any time and place.' Over the past 10 days, the Houthis have launched five ballistic missiles and at least five drones toward Israel. This group has stated that these attacks are part of a campaign in support of Hamas, another group backed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Houthis have carried out missile and drone attacks against Israel and commercial ships in the Red Sea following Hamas's attacks on Israel on October 7 of last year. These attacks, condemned by many countries, have also led to military operations by Israel, the United States, and Britain against this group. Previously, the Jewish News Syndicate website reported, citing a report published on Sunday, January 2, on the Israeli news site Ynet, that officials aware of high-level meetings in Israel said David Barnea emphasized that 'we must attack the head of the snake, namely Iran.' Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Post reported on Sunday that Israeli military intelligence recommended that Israel's response should be a direct attack on the Houthis in Yemen. The Jerusalem Post explained the difference between the views of Mossad and the Israeli military intelligence, stating that David Barnea has always been one of the prominent hardliners regarding Iran during his tenure at Mossad and has generally supported more and harsher attacks on the Islamic Republic. However, Israeli military intelligence takes a more cautious approach regarding direct attacks on the Islamic Republic due to potential serious consequences. According to the report, Mossad examines the Islamic Republic of Iran more from a general strategic perspective and emphasizes the need to weaken its long-term threats, whether in the form of its nuclear program, conventional weapons, or terrorist activities worldwide. In contrast, the Israeli army, which is responsible for Israel's offensive actions as well as air defense, considers the consequences of an attack. This means that if a major attack occurs from the Islamic Republic against Israel, the army will be under pressure due to its failure to prevent damage, such as the attack on Saturday, January 1, when the Houthis' missile could not be intercepted in the air.