Israeli agent killed abroad played critical role in war with Iran, Mossad chief reveals

The head of Israel’s Mossad reveals that an Israeli agent who was killed abroad several years ago carried out missions which played a crucial role in the recent war with Iran.

By World Israel News Staff

An Israeli intelligence agent who was killed abroad played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for Israel’s war with Iran, the head of the Mossad agency revealed on Tuesday.

Mossad Director David Barnea spoke at a ceremony at Mossad headquarters during Israeli Memorial Day honoring the agency’s fallen members.

In his address, Barnea said that an intelligence officer for the agency who had been killed abroad had played a central role in the years-long preparations for Operation Roaring Lion, referring to Israel’s recent conflict with Iran.

Barnea provided few details regarding the agent, whom he referred to by the initial “M.”

No time or place of death were given, nor did Barnea elaborate on the circumstances of M.’s death.

“On this day, I think of the fallen of the Mossad and their choice to dedicate years of their lives to Israel’s security,” Barnea said.

“During Operation Roaring Lion, my thoughts and my heart were filled with pride for M., who was killed outside Israel while carrying out his mission.”

“The operations M. led combined creativity, ingenuity and advanced technology, and had a significant impact on the success of the campaign against Iran,” Barnea continued.

According to a report published by the Hebrew daily Yedioth Ahronoth, the agent was not killed inside of Iranian territory.

Other Israeli media outlets indicated that the agent was killed in Italy in May 2023, after a boat capsized.

Without elaborating on M.’s actions, Barnea said that his activities, along with those of other Mossad agents, were crucial to Israel’s survival.

“Thanks to the dedication, courage and sacrifice of the fallen, the people of Israel live and endure,” Barnea said.

Barnea’s comments mark the first time the secretive intelligence agency has openly commented on the death of one of its agents.