If in the past, Barnea's promise seemed to be to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, this was an additional time that he doubled or even tripled down on regime change for Iran.Follow us on Google download high resolution download low resolution add to lightbox file name: F250423CG505 File Size: 9682 KB caption (en): Head of Mossad David Barnea attends a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. April 23, (photo credit: CHAIM GOLDBERG/FLASH90)ByYONAH JEREMY BOBJUNE 2, 2026 07:46The Mossad announced on Tuesday morning that its outgoing chief, David Barnea, in a retirement ceremony late Monday night, called for Israel and the agency to remain committed to toppling the Islamic regime, which still runs Iran, following the recent 2026 war.If in the past, Barnea's promise seemed to be to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, this was an additional time that he doubled or even tripled down on regime change for Iran, remaining as the Mossad's primary mission."I promised that Iran would never get a nuclear weapon. Today, when the Iranian regime is at its weakest, most challenged, and most wounded, this is the time to complete the job, and to pay back the regime which engraved destroying us on its flag. We are at the height of a historic and important campaign," said Barnea.He continued, "I believed, and I still believe, that a change in the reality in Iran by virtue of toppling the regime is a possible and achievable goal. This is a possible goal. And clearly this matter will require persistence, a cool head, and commitment to the mission.""But this is our obligation to future generations. This mission must remain as our top priority," he added.download high resolution download low resolution add to lightbox file name: F250225TN224 File Size: 2986 KB caption (en): Mossad chief David Barnea attends a Conference of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), in Tel Aviv, on February 25, 2025. (credit: TOMER NEUBERG/FLASH90)'We have complex challenges ahead of us, which go to the heart of security'In contrast, Netanyahu's comments did not focus on Iran and regime change, but rather on Barnea's role leading the exploding beepers sabotage campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon in September 2024, and the near immediate aftermath of the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, which the agency also had a significant role in.President Isaac Herzog's thanks to Barnea focused on his role in bringing about two of the three hostage return deals with Hamas and Qatar.Barnea also wished the best of luck to his successor, Roman Gofman, despite publicly opposing his appointment before the High Court of Justice.Upon the High Court's approval of Gofman to be the next head of the Mossad, Barnea sent a letter to all Mossad operatives saying, "I expect that all of you to stand by Maj.-Gen. Gofman, and to continue to support his entrance to the role [of Mossad chief] in the best way possible."Determined to ensure a smooth changing of the guard"We have complex challenges ahead of us, which go to the heart of the security of the State of Israel, and the Mossad will have a central and influential role regarding them. The success of Maj.-Gen. Gofman is the same as the success of the Mossad and the success of the entire State of Israel," he continued.Barnea repeated all of these principles in person to Gofman and the agency's full staff at his exit ceremony.The Jerusalem Post had reported earlier on Monday that Barnea was firm that, despite his opposition to Gofman prior to the High Court ruling and obvious tensions between himself and Gofman, given his respect for the ruling, he was determined to do all he could to ensure that the changeover ceremony would run smoothly, as in past such ceremonies. Gofman did not speak, but is expected to at an inauguration ceremony on Tuesday afternoon.Follow us on Google