Mossad reportedly underwent 'biometric revolution' under outgoing chief Barnea

Mossad reportedly underwent 'biometric revolution' under outgoing chief Barnea
Mossad logo and Israel flag are seen in this illustration taken 6 May, 2025
Reuters

Israeli media reports have provided new details on the transformation of the Mossad under outgoing director David Barnea, describing what officials reportedly called an internal “biometric revolution” focused on technology, intelligence operations and agent protection.

The accounts, based on interviews with senior Israeli military and intelligence figures, suggest the agency has undergone wide-ranging reforms aimed at modernising both its cyber capabilities and human intelligence structure.

Expansion of cyber capabilities

According to the reports, Mossad has significantly expanded its use of cyber tools, digital technologies and artificial intelligence, while also increasing its ability to conduct simultaneous operations against multiple targets, both independently and in coordination with the Israeli military.

A central element of the restructuring reportedly involved the agency’s long-established Tzomet division, which handles human intelligence. It is said to have been reorganised into specialised units focused on recruitment, covert operations and high-risk strategic missions.

The reports also claim that Mossad has strengthened its technological capacity to a level some officials believe surpasses several Western intelligence agencies in selected cyber and intelligence domains, although these assessments remain unverified.

Infiltration and foreign agents

Israeli media describe the creation of a dedicated unit focused on infiltration and psychological operations, allegedly used in information campaigns targeting senior Iranian figures.

Another reported development is increased reliance on foreign-national agents, including claims that during the 2025 Israel-Iran conflict, trained Iranian civilians carried out covert actions against military assets inside Iran.

While the claims cannot be independently verified, the reports provide a detailed account of how Israeli intelligence officials describe Mossad’s evolution under Barnea’s leadership.

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