Netanyahu nominee for Mossad post drawn into ongoing leak investigation

Israeli police are preparing to summon the military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Roman Gofman, to give testimony as part of an investigation into alleged misconduct involving the prime minister’s chief of staff, Tzachi Braverman.

The investigation concerns a suspected leak of classified documents from the Prime Minister’s Office.

According to Israeli media, Braverman is suspected of warning one of Netanyahu’s aides about a possible attempt to obstruct an investigation by the Israel Defense Forces into the leak of confidential materials originating from the prime minister’s office. Investigators initially believed that Braverman had obtained information about the probe through individuals connected to the IDF Chief of the General Staff. However, it was later determined that he learned of the investigation during his work within the Prime Minister’s Office itself.

In this context, Gofman has been called to provide clarifications regarding the handling of classified information both inside the office and within digital communication networks. Authorities emphasised that he is not considered a suspect, and at this stage his role in the case is limited exclusively to providing witness testimony.

Earlier, Netanyahu proposed Gofman’s candidacy for the position of the next head of the foreign intelligence service Mossad. The appointment, however, requires approval from the Civil Service Commission, which is continuing to review circumstances related to possible violations.

By Tamilla Hasanova