Former Mossad Official Warns of Security Risks After Secret Operation with Ahmadinejad

Former Mossad senior official Sagie Assouline cautioned that the recent New York Times report about a secret Israeli operation involving former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could jeopardize Israeli intelligence assets and national security. Speaking on Channel 14, Assouline emphasized that publishing operational details in foreign media repeatedly harms Israel's intelligence methods and endangers state security. He warned that if the reported events are true, revealing such information risks exposing intelligence assets and operational tactics.

Political analyst Yaakov Bardugo responded by suggesting stronger censorship measures against Israeli journalists involved in such leaks, including revoking their ability to write in Israeli media, especially when publishing abroad threatens national security. Assouline further predicted that the story will have repercussions within Iran, likely emerging from Iranian sources. He noted Ahmadinejad's significant popularity among Iranians who are caught between regime opponents and the traditional clerical establishment, implying that internal Iranian factions might have motives to undermine him.

The discussion highlights ongoing concerns about the balance between press freedom and national security in Israel, as well as the complex political dynamics surrounding Ahmadinejad inside Iran. The Israeli government and intelligence community remain vigilant about protecting sensitive information amid these developments.