Great battles return between Mossad, IDF over Iran, sources tell 'Post'

Significant policy differences between the Mossad and the IDF over Iran have returned, sources told The Jerusalem Post. The latest dispute concerns how aggressive to be about pushing for a joint US-Israel operation before Israeli elections. Mossad Director Roman Gofman is in favor, backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir opposes, concerned that an attack during the election season could harm the operation's legitimacy and be abused by Netanyahu against his rivals. Sources close to the Mossad denied Channel 12 reports that Gofman supported an operation in the recent period. In June 2025 and early 2026, both agencies favored striking Iran with major operations, but differed on goals: then-Mossad director David Barnea pushed for regime change plans involving the Kurds and former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, which the IDF opposed. The article also notes past debates, including the 2022 JCPOA and the 2010-2012 period when both agencies united against Netanyahu's plans to attack Iran's nuclear program.