Iran continues to be Israel’s ’s primary and most significant challenge despite, even because of, the nuclear deal it signed with the world powers, new Mossad head Yossi Cohen (pictured right) said on Wednesday.

Cohen’s comments came at a ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marking his first day in his post. He took over from Tamir Pardo, who served as Mossad chief for the last five years and also attended the ceremony.

“Israel is located at the center of the earthquake that has hit the Middle East in recent years,” Cohen said. “Fundamentalist Islamic extremism is washing over states, and leading to their collapse.”

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