Former Mossad Operative and Shin Bet Fighter Debora Sharifian-Bachar Joins Gadi Eizenkot’s Party

Debora Sharifian-Bachar, a former senior operative in Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet, has joined the political party led by Gadi Eizenkot, running on the Yashar list for the upcoming Knesset elections. Born in Tehran during the Islamic Revolution, Sharifian-Bachar immigrated to Israel at age seven after her family fled Iran using forged passports. She served as a combatant in the Shin Bet’s "Tequila Force," a unit specializing in preventing suicide bombings, and later in operational roles within Mossad.

Sharifian-Bachar recounted her childhood experiences under the Iranian regime, including harassment by the Revolutionary Guards and her family’s eventual escape due to mandatory military conscription. Despite initial parental opposition, she enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces, serving as an infantry instructor and officer before transitioning to intelligence work. She described participating in covert operations that saved many Israeli lives and detailed her involvement in countering Iranian threats, including nuclear facilities.

After nearly two decades in security services, Sharifian-Bachar retired at a rank equivalent to lieutenant colonel and moved with her family to the southern Israeli kibbutz Eilot. There, she founded a high school program teaching security, intelligence, and Persian language studies, which has grown from ten to several hundred students across Israel’s periphery. She announced her political candidacy in Persian to her students, emphasizing her commitment to leadership and public service.

Gadi Eizenkot praised Sharifian-Bachar as a role model and essential leader for Israel’s future. She expressed determination to honor the trust placed in her and to contribute meaningfully to Israeli politics. Sharifian-Bachar is married to pediatrician Maor and they have three daughters. Her unique background and extensive intelligence experience position her as a notable new figure in Israeli politics.