Israeli authorities have officially appointed Major General Roman Gofman as the new chief of Mossad, the country's foreign intelligence agency, with his term set to begin on June 2, 2026. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision, which was confirmed by a senior appointments committee, and Gofman will succeed outgoing chief David Barnea, according to Al-Monitor and Middle East Eye.
Gofman is a career army officer with no prior experience in intelligence, notable for his service in the armoured corps and military education, including studies at a religious school in the West Bank. His appointment marks a significant departure from previous Mossad chiefs who typically possessed extensive backgrounds in intelligence work, as reported by NDTV and The Straits Times.
The decision is also politically significant given Gofman’s close ties to Netanyahu, having served as his military secretary. His past controversies include involvement in an online influence campaign during his time as an IDF commander, where a minor was reportedly used, according to the Times of Israel. Gofman is also known to support Netanyahu's nationalist policies, shaping expectations for the agency's direction under his leadership.
This leadership change may signal a strategic shift in Israeli intelligence operations, blending military experience with political loyalty at the Mossad’s helm. Observers will be watching closely how Gofman adapts to the intelligence role and how this influences Israel’s international intelligence and security strategy, especially given the volatile geopolitical climate in the Middle East.
Roman Gofman
David Barnea
Benjamin Netanyahu
Mossad
Israel
