Israel Concerned About Russian Supply of Weapons to Iran, Mossad Chief Says
Mossad chief David Barnea reveals Israel and its international partners foiled 27 attacks planned by Iran, and warns any attack 'against Israelis or Jews, by Iran or its proxies' will lead to an Israeli response
Mossad Director David Barnea expressed concern Sunday that Russia would provide Iran with weapons that would endanger Israel.
Speaking at a conference held at Reichman University, Barnea said that any attack "against Israelis or Jews, by Iran or its proxies," would lead to an Israeli response.
"Any harm done to any Israeli or Jew, in any way whatsoever, and I mean in any way whatsoever, via proxy or Iranian alike, will elicit a response against the Iranians who dispatched the terrorists and the policymakers who authorized the terror units to carry out the plots, from the bottom all the way up to the top," Barnea said.
The Mossad chief added that five factors were driving Iran's "over-inflated self-confidence" and leading to an increase in its so-called pursuit of terror. He listed Tehran's drone sales to Moscow and oil sales to China, its regional agreements with countries like Saudi Arabia, the suppression of the Mahsa Amini protests and Iran's "success in its outrageous hostage diplomacy" among these drivers.
While speaking on arms sales between Moscow and Tehran, Barnea said that "We are concerned that the Russians will meet Iran's demands to supply it with weapons and raw materials that will put Israel at risk."
Barnea also disclosed that Israel, with the help of its international partners, managed to stop more than two dozen Iranian attacks.
"This past year alone, we have worked together with our partners in the Israeli intelligence community and worldwide to disrupt 27 teams that have tried to mount attacks in Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America. The plots being pursued by these teams were orchestrated, masterminded, and directed by Iran. Each plot disrupted has involved terrorists, weapons, and a target," he said.
The Mossad chief also weighed in on Iran's use of proxies, which he said enables Tehran to act against Israeli with the ability to distance itself from operations. "Iran and its leaders are trying to sell the world the image of an enlightened country, in the hope of joining the family of nations and earning a position of respect," Barnea said.
He added that "this goal and state-sponsored terror are not compatible with one another, but use of proxies enables Iran to hide behind a story."
National Unity Party MK Gadi Eisenkot addressed conference attendees after Barnea's remarks, and cautioned that Israel "does not have a concept of national security" – something he views as a deficiency. He claimed that acts as an "escape" for Israel's leadership and impacts the state's policies on countering terrorism.
Eisenkot added that in the Israeli government – which he described as the IDF's top commander – there are ministers who are "completely detached from reality." The lawmaker said that it is necessary to establish an official concept for national security to act as a compass for security officials and decision-makers involved in Israel's long-term planning alike.