New Mossad Chief Removes Top Iran Unit Leaders After Failed Regime-Change Plan

The Mossad leadership announced the departure of K., head of the Intelligence Directorate, and Y., head of the Iran Division, describing it as a mutual agreement rather than a dismissal. However, their exit shortly after Roman Gofman assumed Mossad chief suggests a direct consequence of the failed operation to overthrow the Iranian regime. Gofman had already removed the deputy chief days after taking office and now has replaced two other senior officials involved in the Iran plan.

The covert operation, initiated under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's directive early in 2023, aimed to topple Iran's government but ultimately failed. Netanyahu praised the campaign as a major success, avoiding direct admission of failure. Critics argue that if Netanyahu shifts his narrative to acknowledge the failure and place blame solely on Mossad, it would confirm suspicions of a political scapegoating.

The plan's collapse raises questions about accountability, with many pointing to Netanyahu's role as the supreme commander who pushed for the operation and coordinated with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The operation depended heavily on Trump's unexpected support, which was withdrawn, disrupting critical elements such as a Kurdish offensive. This miscalculation has had wide repercussions across the Middle East and global markets.

Gofman’s task now is to investigate the circumstances behind the operation's failure, including the strategic objectives of Mossad, its internal decision-making, and the roles of those who have left their posts. The inquiry will also consider how to strengthen oversight and controls over Mossad, an agency that operates without formal legal definition and faces complex external supervision challenges.