Ex-Mossad Chief's Swift Private Sector Appointment Draws Scrutiny

Former Mossad chief Dedi Barnea was appointed chairman and president of the defense company Ondas just two months after concluding his tenure with the intelligence agency in June. This rapid transition has raised questions regarding the "cooling-off period" mandated by the Public Service Law, which typically requires a one-year hiatus for former public officials before taking on private sector roles, especially in fields related to their previous government service. The law also allows for additional restrictions of up to three years for individuals in intelligence and law enforcement.

Barnea's new role at Ondas, an American-Israeli holding group focused on defense technology, drones, robotics, and demining, has sparked concerns about potential conflicts of interest given the company's operations overlap with the Israeli defense establishment. News outlets and transparency organizations have sought details about the approval process for Barnea's appointment.

The Prime Minister's Office, responsible for the Mossad, stated that while the Freedom of Information Law does not apply to the Mossad, the requests concerning Barnea were reviewed by the "authorized parties" and approved in accordance with the law. However, the office declined to provide specific details about the approval procedure.

Attorney Elad Man from the Successor organization commented that greater transparency would have been appropriate in matters of conflict of interest and integrity, even when involving a former head of the Mossad. Ondas stated that Barnea's appointment underwent legal review and received full approval.