Mossad: The Shadow Force Behind Israel’s Middle East Operations

Israel’s “Operation Rising Lion,” launched on June 13 against Iranian military and nuclear targets, has cast a spotlight on Mossad—the country’s powerful and highly secretive intelligence agency—and its deep role in shaping regional geopolitics.

According to a senior Israeli security official, Mossad spent years quietly preparing for the operation. Its agents reportedly infiltrated Iran to set up secret drone launch sites near key military and air defense installations, and embedded operatives inside Iran’s political and military systems.

In the early hours of June 13, Mossad agents launched precision missile strikes and deployed drones from close range to destroy Iranian air defenses and ballistic missile sites. The attacks blinded Iran’s radar network and cleared the way for Israeli fighter jets to carry out airstrikes with little resistance.

Using intelligence from infiltrated agents, Israel also targeted high-ranking Iranian commanders. After five days of fighting, at least 11 Iranian generals and six top nuclear scientists had been killed. “This operation represents the pinnacle of bold planning, cutting-edge technology, and flawless execution by Mossad operatives embedded deep inside Iran,” the Israeli source said.

Mossad’s Legacy of Shadow Warfare

Founded on December 13, 1949, Mossad has long been one of the most formidable—and mysterious—intelligence agencies in the world. Tasked with gathering foreign intelligence, conducting covert operations, and defending Israeli interests abroad, Mossad plays a central role in shaping not just Israel’s security, but the political landscape of the Middle East.

While Shin Bet handles domestic intelligence, Mossad operates exclusively outside Israeli borders, focusing on intelligence gathering, counterterrorism, sabotage, and targeted assassinations. Its motto: “By way of deception, thou shalt wage war.”

“Mossad’s operations are carried out in deep secrecy. During my time, not even the agents’ families knew they worked for Mossad,” said Yossi Alpher, a former Mossad operative involved in several high-profile missions in the 1970s.

Though historically secretive, Mossad has become more public in recent years, even launching a recruitment website. This shift has helped reveal more about the agency’s evolving role in regional diplomacy and security.

Shaping Policy from the Shadows

Mossad not only gathers intelligence—it influences Israeli foreign policy at the highest levels. Senior Mossad officials routinely advise the prime minister and cabinet on strategic decisions and often lead behind-the-scenes diplomatic missions.

The agency is believed to have played a key role in paving the way for the 2020 Abraham Accords, helping Israel normalize relations with several Arab states including the UAE and Bahrain.

Mossad has also executed audacious sabotage missions aimed at weakening Iran’s nuclear program. In 2018, it raided a storage site in Shorabad, Iran, and extracted over 100,000 sensitive documents related to Iran’s atomic research—an operation combining electronic surveillance with human intelligence from spies inside the Iranian government. The documents were later cited by the Trump administration as justification for withdrawing from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA).

High-Impact Covert Operations

In the security domain, Mossad has orchestrated numerous high-risk missions targeting adversaries across the region. In 2024, it reportedly sabotaged thousands of Hezbollah radios and pagers with explosives, killing 37 and injuring over 3,000 in a single operation that disrupted the group’s command network. Mossad also assisted the Israeli military in eliminating several top Hezbollah leaders shortly thereafter.

In 2020, Mossad reportedly worked with the U.S. to assassinate Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad International Airport. Soleimani was considered Iran’s second most powerful figure after Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In 2022, Mossad was linked to the assassination of IRGC Colonel Sayyad Khodaei in Tehran, and in 2024, it allegedly killed Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh in a blast at a guesthouse belonging to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.

Mossad has also used advanced technology to maintain its edge, deploying spyware, satellite systems, and high-tech surveillance tools to monitor targets across volatile regions.

One of its most high-profile assassinations occurred in 2020, when top Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh was killed near Tehran. Iranian officials said he was struck by remote-controlled gunfire from a satellite-linked machine gun hidden in a parked vehicle. No shooters were present, and Iran blamed Mossad.

Not Without Controversy

Despite its reputation for precision, Mossad has also faced high-profile failures. In 1973, it mistakenly assassinated a Moroccan waiter, Ahmed Bouchikhi, in Norway, believing he was a member of a Palestinian militant group. The botched hit led to arrests and exposed Mossad’s European networks.

Experts have warned that Mossad’s aggressive operations—particularly in Iran—risk escalating regional tensions and may violate international law. Iran has labeled the Israeli attacks “war crimes” and promised retaliation.

Still, Israeli leaders see Mossad as a key pillar in their national defense strategy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue strikes “until Iran’s nuclear threat is eliminated,” signaling Mossad’s continued central role in Israel’s long-term security posture.

Sources: The Guardian, The Washington Post, Times of Israel

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