Former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen Details Intelligence Successes and Criticizes UK PM's Stance on Israel

Yossi Cohen, former head of Mossad, gave an extensive interview to the British podcast "The General and the Journalist" from The Times, discussing Israel's intelligence cooperation with the UK, criticism from British leadership, and key intelligence operations. Cohen highlighted the close partnership with British security services MI5 and MI6, noting that the former MI5 chief praised him for preventing numerous terror attacks in the UK. He sharply criticized UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham's critical comments on Israel's conduct in the Gaza conflict, calling such criticism "very bad politics" and emphasizing that Israel never initiated the war, but responded to attacks by Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Cohen also pointed to the severe security challenges faced by Jews in UK cities like London and Manchester.

Cohen revealed that the operational concept behind the sabotage of Hezbollah's communication devices was developed over 25 years ago, involving a blend of human intelligence and technology. He defended Israel's targeting of militants, asserting that all those carrying the devices were terrorists and that Israel does not intentionally harm civilians. Reflecting on the October 7 attack, Cohen admitted that Israeli intelligence over-relied on cyber capabilities and lacked sufficient human intelligence, which contributed to the surprise attack by over 1,500 militants.

He described psychological warfare tactics against Iranian nuclear scientists, including sending flowers to their homes as a warning. Cohen also addressed rumors about attempts to recruit former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, neither confirming nor denying them but acknowledging Ahmadinejad was a key intelligence target. On regime change in Iran, Cohen stated it depends solely on the Iranian people, not external forces. When asked about political ambitions, Cohen said he will not run in the upcoming October elections but left open the possibility of future involvement.