Mossad Chief Removes Top Iran Unit Leaders Following Failed Regime Change Effort

Roman Gofman, head of Mossad, has ordered the immediate dismissal of the heads of the Intelligence Directorate and the Iran Department amid a failed attempt to overthrow Iran's regime. This unprecedented shakeup in Israel's intelligence community comes after the collapse of a major operation aimed at toppling the Ayatollahs in Tehran, sparking intense criticism within the defense establishment.

According to reports, the dismissed officials will remain within Mossad, and the move was reportedly coordinated with other senior figures. However, insiders have condemned the decision as a "cowardly act" intended to deflect responsibility from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as Gofman previously served as Netanyahu's military secretary and strongly advocated for the ambitious plan against Iran.

One of the removed leaders had served 22 years in Mossad, leading key operational units and earning five Israeli security awards. The failure of the plan was attributed not to Mossad's shortcomings but to the lack of final approval from then-US President Donald Trump. The shakeup follows other significant changes since Gofman took office, including the dismissal of the head of the Influence Division and new investigations into past organizational failures.

The Iran regime change initiative was among Mossad's most significant efforts in recent months, with the dismissed official spearheading the Influence Division created specifically for this purpose. The dramatic internal changes coincide with ongoing tensions with Iran and US attempts to negotiate a deal with Tehran, which remains subject to approval by Iran's Revolutionary Guards.

Gofman has informed Netanyahu of plans to appoint a new deputy from within Mossad to help lead the agency through upcoming challenges. The developments highlight deep turmoil within Israel's intelligence apparatus amid complex regional dynamics.