Yossi Cohen

Yossi Cohen served as the 12th director of Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency, following a career in intelligence and national security that spanned nearly four decades. Cohen joined Mossad after mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces, beginning as a case officer responsible for recruiting and managing spies in foreign countries. Fluent in English, French, and several Arabic dialects, he participated in numerous missions in Western Europe and lived abroad for several years. Cohen earned a Bachelor of Arts in social sciences from Bar Ilan University as part of a program for members of Israel's defense forces.

Cohen specialized in human intelligence (HUMINT) and rose to lead Mossad's Tzomet Division, which oversees field officers worldwide. He received the Israel Defense Prize for his leadership in a special operation, and under his command, the Tzomet Division team also won the Israel Defense Prize. Cohen later served as deputy director of Mossad and head of the Operations Directorate. He was appointed national security advisor and head of the National Security Council before becoming Mossad director.

During his tenure as director, Cohen oversaw significant intelligence operations, including the seizure of Iranian nuclear archives. This operation involved Mossad agents breaching a warehouse in Tehran and extracting documents and digital files related to Iran's covert nuclear weapons project. Cohen also managed Israel's clandestine relations with Arab nations, meeting with representatives from Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. He played a key role in establishing the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

Cohen's work earned recognition from the international intelligence community. CIA Director William J. Burns presented him with the George J. Tenet Award for his partnership with the CIA and contributions to joint operations. Over his career, Cohen worked with seven prime ministers, three U.S. presidents, and numerous foreign leaders. He maintained a public profile, engaging with journalists and diplomats.

After leaving Mossad, Cohen became an author and speaker. He wrote "The Sword of Freedom: Israel, Mossad and the Secret War," which explores Israel's national security strategy, intelligence operations, and defense systems. The book combines personal accounts and historical analysis, offering insights into Israel's transformation into a global power. Cohen also leads SoftBank Investment Advisers in Israel and is recognized as an authoritative voice on geopolitics, intelligence, and national security.