Aug 28, 2026

Israel News Today: Ex-Mossad Chief Barnea Says Israel Must Keep Hitting Iran 'Until the Regime Falls'

Former Mossad chief David Barnea said Israel has no choice but to intensify economic, diplomatic and operational action against Iran until the regime falls. The military censor allowed publication of a report that then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar held direct hostage talks with Hamas leaders, and the IDF said it killed a Hamas commander who had held three Israelis hostage.

Barnea: "No Choice" but to Keep Up Pressure on Iran

"In my assessment, there will be no choice but to intensify the economic, diplomatic and operational actions against this regime until it falls — and it will fall," former Mossad chief David Barnea said at a ceremony in his honour, The Times of Israel reported.

Report: Ronen Bar Held Direct Talks With Hamas

The military censor permitted publication of a report that then-Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar held direct negotiations over hostage releases with exiled Hamas leaders after October 7 through February 2025, The Times of Israel reported.

Hamas Commander Who Held Three Hostages Killed

The IDF said a strike in Khan Younis killed Ismail Mohammed Ibrahim Barim, who it said took part in holding Edan Alexander, Matan Zangauker and Avera Mengistu hostage, The Times of Israel reported.

Netanyahu Urges Ben Gvir and Smotrich to Unite

"They have to unite. Every time we were united, we won," Netanyahu said, urging Otzma Yehudit and Religious Zionism to run together so neither falls below the electoral threshold, The Times of Israel reported.

Poll: Winter's Party at 6 Seats

A Zman Yisrael poll gave Ofer Winter's new People of Israel party 6 seats while seemingly pushing Smotrich's Religious Zionism below the electoral threshold, The Times of Israel reported.

Israeli Aid Team Heads to Nepal

Medical and mental health professionals from NATAN Worldwide Disaster Relief were on their way to Nepal following the flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border, The Times of Israel reported.