Israel's Failed Plot to Install Ahmadinejad Revealed in New Investigations

Two investigative reports published on Monday by Haaretz and The New York Times reveal new details about Israel's failed "Puss in Boots" operation, aimed at toppling Iran's regime and installing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as its leader. According to Haaretz, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu personally authorized the operation without a formal political forum vote, broad discussion, or notifying the Knesset's secret services subcommittee. Netanyahu relied on a cabinet decision empowering a small faction leaders' forum to manage the war, interpreting this as sufficient authorization. No ministers opposed the plan despite shock upon learning about the proposal to elevate Ahmadinejad as an alternative leader.

The operation proceeded despite significant professional reservations. IDF Intelligence Chief Major General Shlomi Binder doubted the feasibility of regime change in Iran soon and warned that clerical regime collapse could lead to a military takeover by the Revolutionary Guards. Netanyahu believed a military regime might be preferable to a hardline religious leadership, a view opposed by senior security officials who feared even more extreme policies. Past Israeli security failures in Lebanon, Palestine, and Afghanistan were cited as cautionary lessons. Another concern was the risk that a leader installed with Israeli help could be quickly eliminated, as happened with Bashir Gemayel in Lebanon.

Haaretz also disclosed that Azerbaijan allowed Mossad to establish a base on its territory for emergency interventions, drone operations, and intelligence gathering. On March 18, at the war's peak, Israel launched a rare strike on targets in the Caspian Sea, but Azerbaijan remained a passive observer. Inside Mossad, there was overconfidence and resistance to outside advice, with some security officials questioning the operation's realism.

The New York Times report adds that former Mossad chief David Barnea met Ahmadinejad in Budapest in 2024 and 2025, secretly funding his housing and travel to groom him as a future Iranian leader. On February 28, the first day of the war, Israel attacked Ahmadinejad's compound in Tehran, targeting his guards and armored vehicle. He was swiftly extracted to a Mossad safe house inside Iran but soon left under unclear circumstances. Four Iranian officials told the Times that Ahmadinejad is now under house arrest by the Revolutionary Guards' intelligence after his Israeli ties were exposed. His only public appearance since was at Ali Khamenei's funeral, where he wore a heavy coat, mask, and was heavily guarded.

Together, the investigations depict a failed Israeli plan that exposed Ahmadinejad and left him detained. Israel has yet to conduct a comprehensive review of the decision-making process behind the operation. Barnea, who ended his Mossad term last month, still believes the Iranian regime could collapse within one to three years, though a US-Iran deal lifting sanctions might strengthen the regime, which survived widespread protests and a combined attack with a narrative of victory.