Netanyahu selects trusted military aide to head Mossad

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced his decision to appoint his military secretary, Major General Roman Gofman, as the next director of the Mossad, the national intelligence agency responsible for intelligence gathering and special operations.

According to Israeli media, Gofman will replace the current Mossad director, David Barnea, whose five-year term will conclude in June 2026.

After a series of interviews with various candidates, Roman Gofman’s nomination has been submitted to the advisory committee responsible for appointments to senior positions. The appointment will be finalised once all required procedures are completed.

The statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office regarding Gofman’s nomination notes that he has had a long career in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF): he served as a soldier and commander in the Armored Corps, commanded the 75th Battalion of the 7th Brigade, served as an operations officer in the 36th Division, commanded the Etzion Brigade and the 7th Armored Brigade, led the 210th Division, headed the Ground Forces Training Center, later served as chief of staff to the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, and currently holds the position of the prime minister’s military secretary.

The statement emphasises that Gofman’s appointment as military secretary during the “War of Revival” demonstrated his “exceptional professional abilities” — from his swift transition into the role to his direct involvement in coordinating operations across seven fronts of the war.

Gofman maintained constant contact with all Israeli intelligence services, particularly the Mossad. According to the statement, he demonstrated “creativity, initiative, ingenuity, deep knowledge of the enemy, absolute discretion, and the ability to keep secrets.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he considers Roman Gofman the most worthy and suitable candidate to lead the Mossad and wished him success in his new position, stressing: “Your success is our success.”

By Tamilla Hasanova