Naftali Bennett Warns Against Partial Iran Deal and Criticizes Mossad Firings

Former Israeli Prime Minister and chairman of the Yachad party, Naftali Bennett, has voiced strong opposition to a partial agreement with Iran and criticized recent dismissals within the Mossad intelligence agency. In a detailed interview on August 9, 2026, Bennett defended a senior Mossad official, referred to as K., who was recently removed from her position by Mossad chief Romi Gordin. Bennett praised K. as a highly talented and proactive leader, expressing regret over her departure and emphasizing the need for initiative among intelligence commanders.

Bennett stressed that Israel’s campaign against Iran must aim for the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, warning that any failure to achieve this would severely threaten Israeli security. He announced plans to revive the "Octopus Doctrine," a multifaceted strategy involving military, economic, diplomatic, cyber, covert, and industrial efforts to weaken the Iranian regime over time, accelerate its downfall, and delay its nuclear progress. Bennett cited non-military tactics such as deploying satellite internet receivers in Iran to support future protests by preventing regime censorship.

On the political front, Bennett reaffirmed his commitment to forming a government based solely on Zionist parties that support universal conscription, explicitly excluding the Ra’am party due to its non-Zionist stance. He dismissed speculation about coalition scenarios involving Ra’am or political negotiations between Yair Lapid and Gadi Eizenkot, focusing instead on defeating the current government and establishing a new one. Bennett also criticized reports that U.S. President Donald Trump might settle for a deal opening the Strait of Hormuz without addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, calling such an outcome dangerous for Israel.

Bennett’s remarks come amid a wave of leadership changes in Mossad and ongoing debates about Israel’s strategic approach to Iran and coalition politics. He emphasized the importance of bold leadership within intelligence agencies and a clear, uncompromising policy toward Iran’s nuclear threat.