Khaberni - The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he has decided to appoint his military secretary, Brigadier General Roman Gofman, as the chief of the Mossad.
The statement clarified that Netanyahu conducted interviews with a number of candidates before choosing Gofman for the position, and that the latter will succeed Mossad Chief David Barnea, whose term ends in June 2026, noting that the direction regarding the appointment was presented today before the high-ranking positions advisory committee.
It is noted that Brigadier General Gofman held a series of operational and leadership positions in the Israeli army, including as a fighter and commander in the Armored Corps, and commander of Battalion 75 in Brigade 7, and operations officer in Division 36, and commander of Etzion Brigade, and commander of Brigade 7, then commander of Bashan Division (210), in addition to leading the National Land Training Center, and heading the Government Activities Authority in the territories, up until his current position as the military secretary to the head of government.
The statement indicated that Gofman has "significant achievements" and that his appointment as military secretary to the head of government during the peak of the "Awakening War" proved his exceptional professional capabilities, whether through his rapid assumption of duties, or his direct involvement on all seven war fronts, where he maintained constant contact with intelligence agencies, primarily the Mossad.
On the other hand, the appointment sparked widespread controversy, as Gofman's name came to the forefront again after being linked to a scandal that shook the Israeli military related to employing a minor in influence campaigns on social networks, a case whose details were allowed to be published at the beginning of this year. Gofman denied knowledge of the details despite indications that the responsible military leaders were informed about it.
Estimates within the Mossad talk about an anticipated wave of resignations following the announcement of the appointment.
Channel 13 reported that senior officials within the agency believe that Gofman "is not suitable for the presidency of the Mossad," pointing out that Netanyahu received from Barnea a list of experienced and competent candidates from within the agency. These officials said that Gofman "lacks intelligence background and will need only a year or two to settle into the position."
