Mossad Director Yossi Cohen. Photo: Alchetron.

JNS.org – Israel’s top priority is dealing with the threat posed by Iran, the head of the Israeli Mossad, Yossi Cohen, said on Monday at a ceremony in which the intelligence organization received the prime minister’s citation for operational achievements.

Cohen detailed the dangers emanating from Iran, saying the country is seeking nuclear capabilities for military purposes, aggressively directing military and operational forces close to Israel’s borders with Syria and Lebanon, and increasingly supporting the Palestinian terror group Hamas.

The Mossad director also touted the intelligence agency’s achievements, saying the organization conducts countless operations — some exceedingly complex and bold — in the heart of enemy countries.

“In the field as well as at our headquarters, we do an immense amount of work to ensure that we will win wars and future battles with our enemies,” Cohen said. “The Mossad is getting stronger, internally, acquiring new capabilities in order to welcome the future with advanced technology, intelligence systems, greater strength and improved human resources.”

Addressing the threat posed by the Islamic State terrorist organization, Cohen warned that “the group will continue to challenge us on a daily basis with attempts to harm us, and no less important, our friends in the world.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked the Mossad and its agents, saying, “I salute you for your initiative, daring and professionalism, both in planning [operations] and executing [them].”