Tensions are mounting within Israel's security establishment — specifically between the IDF and Mossad. According to sources, some military figures are criticizing the intelligence service, claiming that Mossad underestimated Iran's resilience. In their view, the intelligence community believed the Tehran government could collapse quickly — a scenario tied to the elimination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other key figures, combined with large-scale strikes on command and control systems. This was reported by Walla.

Military officials contend that expectations of a rapid collapse did not materialize. Iran has suffered serious losses, but the government has held. Against this backdrop, accusations of faulty assessments have begun to surface.

Mossad is rejecting the criticism, Cursor reports. Those involved in planning the operation say the intelligence service never promised a swift fall of the regime, emphasizing that their assessments were cautious. Mossad chief Dadi Barnea presented them in advance, briefing the cabinet and senior Israeli and U.S. leadership. Defense Minister Israel Katz also participated in those discussions.

According to sources, Mossad spoke of extended timelines — months, or even a year or more. The likelihood of a rapid domestic uprising was assessed as low. Military intelligence also presented its own position before the launch of the operation.

Some sources believe part of the criticism is coming from the United States, where there are factions opposed to the operation. Within Israel, meanwhile, the tension is not new — it intensified during the previous campaign, when the publication of a video featuring Mossad agents provoked frustration in the military, with soldiers feeling that the intelligence service was attempting to claim credit for the air force's successes.

The two sides continue to trade accusations. Despite this, Mossad operations are ongoing, conducted in close coordination with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. All actions are approved by the political leadership, and the cabinet receives regular briefings. The standoff over Iran remains far from over.