Mossad Director Visits US for Iran Talks as Defense Chief Dissents

Mossad Director Roman Gofman traveled to Washington on Friday for a meeting with CIA Director John Ratcliffe to discuss the situation in Iran. According to the Axios news site, which cited three sources with knowledge of the matter, Gofman is expected to continue his trip to Miami for further talks with White House envoy Steve Witkoff. The Mossad, the CIA, and the White House all declined to comment on the visit.

The timing of the spy chief’s trip coincides with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s efforts to persuade US President Donald Trump to authorize a renewed military offensive against Iran. While Trump has publicly stated that a new attack is less likely because he prefers the current strategy of economic sanctions and a port blockade, he has noted that military force could be used if necessary.

Channel 12 reported that Gofman’s itinerary was not disclosed to Gadi Eisenkot, the head of the Yashar party, during a security briefing held with Netanyahu on Thursday. Senior figures in the Eisenkot-led bloc told Channel 13 on Friday that Netanyahu failed to convince Eisenkot that an immediate attack on Iran was required.

Following the briefing, Eisenkot posted on social media that the government requires strict supervision to prevent any attempt to reap a political dividend from Israel’s security posture. This comment reflects ongoing tensions within the ruling coalition regarding the next steps in the conflict.

In a separate unsourced report, Channel 12 identified IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir as the primary holdout among Israel’s security chiefs who opposes an immediate strike. The channel reported that Netanyahu, Gofman, Shin Bet chief David Zini, National Security Council chair Shmuel Ben Ezra, and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter are in favor of a strike.

Zamir reportedly views Iran as a credible threat but believes it is not urgent enough to justify a strike that could disrupt the formation of a new government following the Knesset election last month. A security source told the Kan public broadcaster that while the military is ready for action, the army’s role is to prepare for war, and behind-the-scenes dynamics do not always indicate final decisions.

Zamir, Zini, Gofman, and Leiter are all appointments made by Netanyahu. Critics have accused the Prime Minister of placing loyalists in key security positions for improper motives, a point that has drawn fire from opposition groups.

Meanwhile, the US Navy’s Bahrain-based 5th Fleet completed a visit to Israel this week, the IDF announced on Friday. During the visit, 5th Fleet Commander Vice Adm. Curt Renshaw met with Israeli Navy Chief Vice Adm. Eyal Harel and other senior naval officers. The IDF stated that the commanders discussed naval actions, strengthening partnerships for regional stability, and sharing technological knowledge.

The visit occurred as the US military’s Central Command confirmed that Iran launched an attack on Bahrain overnight. This marks the first such attack on a Gulf country since early September. The IRGC claimed it targeted a US early-warning radar in response to an attack on a telecommunications tower in Iran’s southern Sirik county, though CENTCOM said two drones were launched and shot down without causing injuries or damage.

Israel and the US launched the war on Iran on February 28 to destabilize the regime and destroy its missile and nuclear programs. Iran responded with strikes across the region and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. A truce was reached in April, though occasional skirmishes have continued as mediation for a peace deal proceeds.