Netanyahu's Spies in Turmoil, Israel's Gaza Choice: War or Hostages?

Dan and Yossi describe an agonizing week for many Israelis, as freed hostages are handed over by Hamas in coffins. What's the impact on Prime Minister Netanyahu's key decision: extend the Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchanges? Or restart the Gaza war? 

Yossi then reports on Netanyahu's strife with Israel's spy chiefs. He seems to be pressuring them to quit, removing them from hostage negotiations and apparently shifting blame for October 7 failures onto them. We discuss Netanyahu's long history of using the Mossad and the other security agencies against enemies on several fronts, including Palestinians, Hezbollah, and Iran. But is he now abusing the Mossad and the domestic security agency, Shin Bet?

We also analyze the importance of getting along with President Trump, as we note that some of Netanyahu's moves to dominate government agencies resemble Trump's.

Please find us on X at @Yossi_Melman and @danraviv. Also on BlueSky and Facebook.

Our most recent book about the Mossad and Israel's other security agencies is "Spies Against Armageddon: Inside Israel's Secret Wars" -- You may purchase it at http://bit.ly/41j1Sc3 in Kindle or paperback (and on all e-book platforms).

Our music for THE MOSSAD FILES podcast is Clock is Ticking, by Braden Deal, from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/braden-deal/clock-is-ticking -- License code: YY2MEPOUFX6P7MIH.