Tensions at the top of the security establishment: Confrontation between Galant and Mossad head Dedi Barnea

December 31, 2023   

Confrontation between Israel's two security officials: Defense Minister Yoav Galant attacked Mossad head Dedi Barnea - after he returned from a trip abroad. This was against the backdrop of conducting negotiations to release the hostages. According to a report this evening (Sunday) by Suleiman Masvad on 'Kan News', in one of the meetings in which the two participated, in the presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Galant protested Barnea's conduct towards the mediators. According to sources familiar with the details, Galant is not satisfied with the way Barnea is conducting the negotiations to release the hostages with the mediators - and expressed this in discussions several times. The Defense Minister's Office stated in response to 'Kan News': "The Defense Minister and the Mossad head are working in close cooperation to achieve the goals of the war." The Prime Minister's Office, on behalf of the Mossad, did not provide a response.