Ex-Mossad and Shin Bet Agent Joins Israeli Politics

Dvora Sharfian Bacher, a 44-year-old former operational agent for Israel's Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence agencies, has joined the Yishai! party led by former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. Bacher, who immigrated to Israel from Iran at age seven, brings a unique background to the political arena. She served in the Shin Bet's 'Tequila' operations team and later in the Mossad, after starting her security career as a combat soldier.

After leaving security services, Bacher and her partner, Dr. Maor Bacher, moved to Kibbutz Eilot near Eilat. She established a successful high school program focused on Persian language, intelligence, and geopolitics, which won an award from IDF Intelligence Directorate chief. Bacher holds degrees in criminology, political science, education, and organizational leadership.

Reflecting on the recent 'Roaring Lion' operation against Iran in early 2026, Bacher stated that while the reality is complex, the initial strike significantly altered Iran's internal ecosystem. She believes this operation, along with ongoing social and economic pressures, has pushed Iran to a point of no return, citing widespread discontent and protests. She also noted the resilience of the Iranian regime, supported by a core group of 30 million religious Shia Muslims.

Bacher chose a career in education over lucrative private sector offers, inspired by her former high school principal who encouraged her to pursue higher education and military service against her family's traditional expectations. She aims to focus on education reform, particularly in peripheral areas, and advocates for making Arabic a mandatory subject in Israeli schools from first grade, alongside Hebrew and English, to foster better understanding and communication within the region.