Iran Racing Toward Nuclear Breakout, Mossad Chief Says

On the third night of Chanukah, in a ceremony honoring the Mossad’s finest, agency director David “Dedi” Barnea issued one of the most sobering warnings to date about Iran’s nuclear ambitions: the Islamic regime is preparing to break out toward nuclear weapon capability and Israel will not allow it.

“Iran has not relinquished its aspiration to destroy the State of Israel,” Barnea said at the event held at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. “It believes it can once again deceive the world and push forward another bad nuclear deal. We did not allow such an agreement to materialize, and we will not allow it to materialize.”

Despite significant setbacks to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, Barnea made clear that the regime has not changed its intentions. “This is a state that will break forward as soon as it can,” he warned. “The idea of continuing to develop a nuclear bomb is still alive in their hearts.”

His remarks underscored Israel’s unwavering stance: Tehran must never be allowed to rebuild its nuclear project. And if international diplomacy falters, Israel will act.

Barnea emphasized that these efforts are being carried out in close coordination with the United States, but he was blunt in stating that the Jewish state retains full responsibility for protecting itself. “We are obligated to ensure that Iran’s nuclear program damaged as it may be is never reactivated,” he said.

Linking Iran’s nuclear ambitions with its global terror activities, Barnea also issued a warning to the Iranian regime and its proxies. “The criminal idea of targeting innocent civilians has always been, and remains, at the foundation of the Iranian regime’s strategy,” he said. “We will find the perpetrators and those who sent them, the Iranians and the jihadists, wherever they flee. Justice will be done and will be seen.”

Barnea’s words carried added weight as they came just days after the horrific antisemitic terror attack in Sydney, which he referenced as yet another example of the ongoing threat facing Jews around the world. His message was clear: whether in the Middle East or on the streets of Western cities, Israel’s enemies are persistent, and so too is Israel’s resolve.

Attending the ceremony were President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other top Israeli officials. Twelve Mossad employees were awarded certificates of excellence, a quiet testament to the agency’s continued operations on the front lines of Israel’s national security.

As light from the Chanukah candles flickered beside the ancient walls of Jerusalem, Barnea’s remarks served as a reminder of the vigilance required in modern-day Jewish survival. “Light will overcome darkness,” he declared.

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