Former PM Bennett Warns Against Partial Iran Deal and Defends Mossad Firings

Former Israeli Prime Minister and chairman of the Yachad party, Naftali Bennett, criticized recent dismissals within the Mossad intelligence agency and warned against accepting a partial agreement with Iran. In an interview published on August 9, 2026, Bennett expressed regret over the removal of a senior Mossad official known as K, praising her initiative and professionalism in leading operations against Iran. He emphasized the need for bold leadership within the agency and rejected claims that her dismissal was due to operational failures.

Bennett outlined his firm stance on Iran's nuclear program, stating that the ultimate goal must be the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear capabilities. He warned that any agreement falling short of this would pose a serious threat to Israel's security. He also highlighted the necessity of dismantling Iran's missile program and its regional terror network, which he referred to as the "octopus."

Looking ahead, Bennett announced plans to revive the "octopus doctrine," a multifaceted campaign combining military, economic, diplomatic, cyber, covert, and industrial efforts to weaken the Iranian regime over time and accelerate its downfall. He cited non-military tactics such as deploying satellite internet receivers in Iran to prevent the regime from blocking communications during future protests.

On the political front, Bennett reaffirmed his commitment to forming a government based solely on Zionist parties that support universal conscription and oppose financial benefits for those who refuse to serve. Regarding potential coalition talks with the Ra'am party, he stated that his decision is based on political ideology rather than ethnicity, concluding that Ra'am is currently not a Zionist party. He dismissed speculation about political negotiations involving other figures as irrelevant, focusing instead on electoral victory and replacing the current government.

Bennett's comments come amid reports of a wave of dismissals within Mossad initiated by its head, Romem Gofman, and ongoing debates about Israel's strategic approach to Iran and coalition-building ahead of upcoming elections.