Mossad Director Announces Death of Agent in Operations Against Iran

Mossad Director David Barnea stated on April 21, 2026, that an agent identified as M. was killed abroad during operations against Iran. The announcement occurred during a Remembrance Day ceremony for the organization's fallen members. Barnea described the agent's operations as combining creativity, cunning, and advanced technology.

Barnea noted that these operations significantly influenced the success of the campaign against Iran. He highlighted Operation Roaring Lion as an example where the agent's actions were notable. Barnea did not provide the agent's full identity, the exact timing of the death, or the specific incident.

specified that the death occurred outside Israel's borders. Israeli media reported that the agent died in Italy in 2023 while collaborating with Italian intelligence to prevent Iran from acquiring advanced weapons. The incident involved a boat sinking in Lake Maggiore, north of Milan near the Swiss border.

The boat capsizing killed the agent, two members of Italian intelligence, and the wife of the ship's captain. The agent was buried in Ashkelon later that year. The funeral was attended by senior Mossad leadership.

the time of the burial, Barnea described the agent as having refined manners, being kind-hearted, calm, and quiet. He stated that the agent was skilled in communicating with diverse people. The agent had served in the Mossad for 30 years, according to individuals close to the agent. Barnea's speech on April 21, 2026, marked the first public mention of the agent's death.