Former Mossad Official Warns of Qatar’s Dangerous Influence and Iran Intelligence Tactics

Dr. Udi Levi, former head of Mossad’s Tzeltzel unit, addressed reports claiming Mossad recruited former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Speaking on 103fm, Levi said he could not confirm the story but was not surprised by intelligence agencies attempting to recruit high-level enemy figures. He emphasized that intelligence operations often target top decision-makers to influence their actions and noted Mossad’s past involvement in similar Iranian events.

Levi shifted focus to Qatar’s role, describing it as a dual actor supporting radical groups while presenting itself as a mediator. He highlighted Qatar’s involvement in Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and ties with Iran, warning that it resumed its pre-October 6 role as both sponsor and mediator. Levi questioned why there is no public debate on how to handle Qatar or whether it should be considered an enemy state, noting that the issue should also concern the United States following reports of Qatar recruiting a senior figure close to the U.S. administration. He concluded with a stark warning: "They are extremely dangerous."

Regarding Iran’s reluctance to yield to the U.S. or reach an agreement, Levi explained that Iran’s leadership believes it can endure due to a hybrid economic system built despite sanctions. This system, combining trade, finance, gold, and banking, allows Iran to circumvent sanctions by exploiting gaps in international cooperation. Levi said this system began developing after the 2015 nuclear deal and that Iran collaborates with China and Russia to create an alternative to U.S. dominance and the dollar. This confidence in their economic resilience explains why Iran remains steadfast.