JERUSALEM (VINnews) – Mossad Director David Barnea said Tuesday that his spy agency has deeply penetrated the secrets of Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon, carrying out “groundbreaking” operations that helped Israel strike at the heart of its enemies during the past year of war.

Speaking at a ceremony at Mossad headquarters honoring outstanding missions from 2025, Barnea described a transformed agency that has taken on a more offensive role alongside the Israeli military.

“We obtained strategic and tactical intelligence at the core of the enemy’s secrets,” Barnea said. “We demonstrated new and groundbreaking operational capabilities in target countries.”

The operations enabled Israeli strikes “in the heart of Tehran,” the thwarting of senior enemy operatives, and efforts to secure air superiority while defending the Israeli home front, he said. They also “broke boundaries” in Lebanon and Iran, Barnea added.

The Mossad chief credited closer cooperation with the Israel Defense Forces for changing Israel’s strategic posture against Iran and its proxy Hezbollah. He also highlighted the agency’s covert diplomatic efforts to build regional alliances.

Barnea warned, however, that threats persist.

“We will not rest on our laurels,” he said. “When we identify a threat, we will act with full force.”

The remarks come amid heightened tensions in the region following more than a year of conflict involving Israel, Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and direct exchanges with Iran. Israel has carried out multiple airstrikes deep inside Iran and Lebanon targeting militant leaders and infrastructure.