David 'Dadi' Barnea (born March 29, 1965) is a prominent Israeli intelligence official and the current Director of Mossad, Israel's premier foreign intelligence service, a position he has held since June 2021. He succeeded Yossi Cohen, having previously served as deputy director under him, and oversees Mossad's global operations, including counterterrorism, intelligence gathering, covert actions, and cyber intelligence aimed at protecting Israeli interests worldwide, with a focus on overseas operations and countering global threats. Barnea's career spans decades in intelligence and military service, beginning with his enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in 1983, where he served in elite signals intelligence units such as Unit 8200 until 1987. After his military service, he joined Mossad in 1996, rising through the ranks to lead key divisions, including the elite Tzomet unit responsible for recruiting and handling agents abroad. In 2013, he was appointed Deputy Director of Mossad, a role he held until his elevation to Director, during which he played significant roles in operations against Iran's nuclear program and other regional threats. Prior to his directorship, he held various senior positions that honed his expertise in espionage and strategic planning. Barnea's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in International Relations, Philosophy, and Political Science. Known for his low public profile and warrior-like approach typical of Mossad leadership, Barnea embodies the agency's emphasis on discretion and operational excellence. Under his direction, Mossad has continued to conduct high-stakes missions, including reported collaborations with international partners on cybersecurity, counterproliferation efforts, and alleged involvement in high-profile actions. His tenure has drawn attention for intensified focus on threats from Iran, Hezbollah, and other adversaries amid complex geopolitical challenges in the Middle East. Barnea's role positions him at the center of Israel's national security apparatus, coordinating with military counterparts and influencing networks of influence through international alliances and intelligence-sharing. His Israeli nationality and lifelong commitment to public service underscore his deep ties to the country's defense establishment, while details of his personal life remain largely classified and private due to the secretive nature of his work.