Former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen Reveals Proposal to Deploy Mossad in Gaza Before October 7 Attack

Yossi Cohen, former head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, disclosed in a French radio interview that he personally proposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to involve Mossad actively in intelligence operations within the Gaza Strip prior to the October 7 attack. Traditionally, intelligence gathering in Gaza had been the exclusive responsibility of the Shin Bet and the IDF's Military Intelligence Directorate. Cohen explained that Netanyahu was receptive and fully supported the initiative, recognizing that Mossad's unique capabilities and intelligence sources could enhance the overall intelligence picture against Hamas.

However, the proposal faced strong opposition from the heads of Shin Bet and other senior security officials at the time. These officials imposed a complete veto on Mossad's entry into Gaza, arguing to the political leadership that such involvement was redundant. They maintained that Shin Bet and military intelligence already possessed sufficient, comprehensive, and high-quality intelligence on Gaza and Hamas's plans, and therefore, Mossad's participation was unnecessary.

Cohen's revelations highlight significant internal disagreements within Israel's security and political leadership before the devastating Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. The debate centered on the division of intelligence responsibilities and the potential benefits of integrating Mossad's resources into Gaza operations. The disclosure sheds light on the complexities and challenges in Israel's intelligence community coordination during a critical period.