Ex-Mossad Chief Accuses Netanyahu of Lying About Iran, Prolonging War

Former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo has launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of lying to the Israeli public about Iran's nuclear capabilities and deliberately prolonging the current war to avoid accountability for the October 7th failures.

Pardo stated in a podcast that Netanyahu "declared a war of existence" and formulated a strategy "not to win the war, but to have the war last forever." He believes this strategy aims to cover up the failures of October 7th, arguing that if the war had ended within two months, Netanyahu would have had to answer to the public.

Regarding Iran, Pardo asserted that Netanyahu "lied to the people of Israel" by claiming Iran was on the verge of obtaining a nuclear bomb. He described the situation with Iran as "even worse" now, questioning how Iran could have been considered defeated six months ago and now be an existential threat again, especially given its lack of an air force.

Pardo also criticized the decision to assassinate the father of Iran's current leader, calling it an Israeli operation that provided no strategic advantage. He warned that this action opened a "Pandora's box of revenge for generations," making it legitimate for enemies to target senior Israeli officials. Pardo concluded that assassinating a leader does not dismantle a state or its capabilities, citing the assassination of Yitzhak Rabin as an example of Israel continuing to function afterward.

Pardo's sharp remarks echo criticisms from Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats, who also deemed the assassination of Iran's leader a strategic error without a clear political purpose or post-operation strategy.