Former Mossad chief Cohen questions Saudi crown prince's maturity

Former Mossad director Yossi Cohen questioned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's maturity during remarks at the Taglit Global Business Summit on Monday, November 2. Cohen also addressed Iran's military capabilities, cooperation between Israel and the United States, and security concerns facing Jews outside Israel.

Speaking about the Saudi crown prince, Cohen said, "Apparently, he's not a mature enough person," then added, "don't quote me [on that]." His remarks came at the inaugural economics-focused summit, titled "Shaping Our Future Together." According to an organizers' press release, roughly 350 investors, entrepreneurs, senior executives and philanthropists attended. Other speakers included Sir Ronald Cohen and Dana Azrieli.

On Iran, Cohen warned that the regime was continuing to develop its capabilities and argued that it must be prevented from retaining them. He praised Israeli and American cooperation against Iran, describing it as the kind of partnership that he and others had long sought.

Cohen referred to Israeli forces operating on the ground in Iran alongside American military strikes targeting nuclear capabilities, ballistic missiles and industrial facilities. He presented those operations as an example of the cooperation he had hoped to see between the two countries.

Despite his support for military action, Cohen said he had never believed that outside intervention could bring down Iran's Islamic regime. He argued that such a change would have to come from Iranians themselves, while acknowledging the danger and difficulty involved in taking to the streets to protest. He said the regime's circumstances had changed following the destruction of numerous Iranian facilities and plants and damage to its nuclear and missile capabilities.

Cohen predicted further military action against Iran but offered no details about its timing, form or potential targets. He suggested that Iran might be restoring or refurbishing facilities as it continued to advance its capabilities. He also accused Iranian negotiators of acting in bad faith and said US President Donald Trump was insisting on a good agreement rather than accepting a bad one.

Turning to antisemitism abroad, Cohen identified Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States among the places facing the problem. He described protecting Israelis and Jews around the world as a responsibility of the Mossad, regardless of where they live.

Cohen said some security operations were carried out directly by the intelligence agency, while others involved cooperation with local security services and law enforcement authorities. He described that work as a continuing commitment requiring significant Mossad resources, and emphasized both the importance of safeguarding Jewish communities abroad and Israel's need for Diaspora support.