Netanyahu at Mossad Chief's Farewell: Iranian Regime is Destined to Fall
At a high-profile send-off for the departing spy chief, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the agency's global elite status and addressed the shifting dynamics inside the Islamic Republic: "It will never return to what it was."
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery address focused on the stability of the Iranian regime during a farewell ceremony held Monday evening for outgoing Mossad Director David (Dedi) Barnea.
On Tuesday morning, the Prime Minister’s Office released selected transcripts and video footage of the speech, highlighting Netanyahu’s remarks on Iran's internal vulnerabilities and his high praise for the intelligence agency's global standing.
"An Unmatched Global Brand"
Reflecting on Israel’s global contributions, Netanyahu opened his address by contextualizing the geopolitical power of Israel's premier intelligence agency.
"Over the years, Israel has managed to create many brands that have conquered the world," Netanyahu stated. "The fruits of our innovation are synonyms for excellence, in technology, defense industries, smart mobility, medicine, and agriculture. But there is another premier Israeli brand: 'The Mossad.' In the eyes of many, it is considered the leading intelligence and counter-terrorism organization on the international stage."
Netanyahu went on to assert that after decades of close acquaintance with the agency, he could state "with absolute confidence" that no foreign intelligence body matches the Mossad's capabilities. He termed the organization "a lighthouse of human strength, technological sophistication, and operational audacity."
A Dramatic Five-Year Tenure
Turning his attention to the outgoing director, who is concluding a highly turbulent five-year term at the helm of Israel's foreign intelligence service, Netanyahu pointed to the historic weight of recent operations.
"Dedi, great things were accomplished on your watch," Netanyahu said, addressing Barnea directly. "This farewell event marks the end of your tenure as the head of the Mossad. These were five dense and dramatic years, among the most fateful years in our history."
Netanyahu expressed gratitude on behalf of the nation for Barnea's three decades of service within the ranks of the agency:
"Tonight, I came to tell you on behalf of the citizens of Israel, on my own behalf, and on behalf of the entire nation: thank you. Thank you for 30 years of dedicated service in the Mossad, and special thanks for these recent years, which yielded prominent successes and achievements for the security of Israel. Thank you, Dedi."
"Iran will not return to what it once was," Netanyahu concluded, "and it is ultimately destined to fall."
