Israel’s intelligence leader has issued a stark warning about the persistent threat posed by Iran, ISIS, and other jihadist groups, who remain intent on targeting Jewish communities globally. This comes as top intelligence officials highlight a significant increase in global terrorism.

In the wake of the tragic Hanukkah attack in Australia, Mossad Chief David Barnea asserted that Israel’s intelligence agency would track down “those responsible, wherever they may try to hide, and ensure they face justice,” emphasizing that “justice will be served and seen to be served.”

Barnea remarked that the Sydney attack is part of a larger, ongoing threat. “The Iranian regime has long embedded terrorism against innocent civilians within its security doctrine,” he stated. He further cautioned that “jihadist factions, including ISIS, are committed to attacking Jews worldwide.”

“Our thoughts are with the families affected by the tragedy in Australia,” Barnea conveyed, underscoring that the aim of such acts is to undermine Jewish resilience. However, he firmly stated, “Our spirit remains unbroken. We will continue to celebrate our traditions and live our lives, both in Israel and across the globe.”

David Barnea, the director of Mossad, pledged to relentlessly track down those behind the fatal Bondi Beach attack in Australia. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

The comments came as Australian and international authorities continue investigating the attack at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach that killed 15 people and wounded dozens more. Australian officials have said the shooters were inspired by Islamic State ideology, and homemade ISIS banners were found inside their vehicle.

The recent attack has also fueled calls in Washington for a tougher counterterrorism posture. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., told Fox News Digital, “We must stay on offense and never return to the weak policies. Under President Trump, American strength is back, and terrorists know it. Iran’s nuclear program was crippled, ISIS’s leadership was crushed, and a clear message was sent: If you threaten Americans, you will be eliminated.”

A masked Islamic State terrorist poses holding the ISIS flag in 2015. (Pictures from History/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

The Bondi attack followed months of warnings from Israeli intelligence that Jewish communities and Western nations face an expanding terror threat driven by Iran-linked networks alongside Sunni jihadist groups. Senior Israeli intelligence sources previously told Fox News Digital that the Mossad had alerted Australian authorities about Iranian-linked terror activity long before the attack and stressed the danger was not confined to a single country.

“Today it’s ISIS. Tomorrow it’s Iran,” one senior Israeli intelligence official said, describing a threat environment in which multiple extremist actors are operating in parallel and often overlapping arenas.

People add to a floral tribute at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (AP Photo/Steve Markham)

The official added that Israeli intelligence has identified or disrupted similar activity across Europe, Africa and Asia, including alleged plots involving Germany, Austria, South America, India and Thailand. “If you knew how many terror attacks the Mossad has prevented, you would drop your jaw,” the source said.

Barnea also warned that Iran’s use of terrorism is inseparable from its broader strategic ambitions, including its nuclear program. He said Tehran “will sprint toward nuclear weapons the moment it is able to,” and that “the idea of developing a nuclear bomb is still alive in their hearts.”

A French riot policeman stands guard outside the Paris Synagogue, two days after security measures have been reinforced near Jewish temples and schools, on Oct. 9, 2023. (Julien De Rosa /AFP via Getty Images)

Barnea said Israel has a responsibility to ensure that Iran’s nuclear project, which he said has been severely damaged through close cooperation with the United States, is never revived.

As investigations continue in Australia, Israeli intelligence officials say the Bondi Beach attack fits a broader global pattern of terrorism driven by both Iranian-backed networks and jihadist ideology, reinforcing Barnea’s warning that the threat remains active, adaptive and global.