Ex-Mossad Chief's Swift Private Sector Appointment Sparks Transparency Questions
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Former Mossad chief Dedi Barnea was appointed chairman of the defense company Ondas two months after leaving his post, raising concerns about a potential violation of the one-year cooling-off period mandated by law. The Prime Minister's Office stated that the appointment was reviewed and approved by authorized parties, though details remain undisclosed. Transparency advocates are calling for greater openness in such cases.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Mossad chief Dedi Barnea appointed to lead defense firm Ondas two months after leaving public service.
- The Public Service Law requires a one-year cooling-off period for former public officials.
- Transparency advocates question the swiftness of Barnea's appointment and seek more details.
- The Prime Minister's Office confirmed the appointment was reviewed and approved.
- Ondas operates in defense technology, including drones and robotics.
Former Mossad chief Dedi Barnea was appointed chairman and president of the defense company Ondas just two months after concluding his tenure leading the intelligence agency. This rapid transition has raised concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest and adherence to the Public Service Law, which mandates a one-year cooling-off period for former public officials before taking on private sector roles, particularly in fields related to their previous government service. The law also allows for additional restrictions of up to three years for individuals in intelligence and law enforcement.
Barnea stepped down as head of the Mossad in June and was announced as the new leader of the US-Israeli defense technology group Ondas in August. Ondas specializes in areas such as drones, defense systems, robotics, and mine clearance, technologies closely aligned with Israeli security interests. The company has a history of recruiting senior defense officials and acquiring Israeli tech firms.
News outlet N12 and the transparency organization "Successor" (Ha'atzlacha) filed a Freedom of Information request with the Prime Minister's Office, which oversees the Mossad, seeking details on the approval process for Barnea's appointment. The Prime Minister's Office responded that while the Freedom of Information Law does not apply to the Mossad, the requests were reviewed by the "authorized parties" and approved in accordance with applicable law. The office declined to provide further specifics on the approval process.
Elad Man, legal counsel for "Successor," stated that greater transparency should have been demonstrated in matters of conflict of interest and integrity, even when involving a former head of the Mossad. Ondas confirmed that Barnea's appointment underwent legal review by the Mossad and received full approval.
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