Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Major General Roman Gofman, his close military aide, as the next head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. This decision sidesteps candidates with direct intelligence backgrounds, instead favoring Gofman’s extensive military leadership experience. He is slated to replace David Barnea, whose tenure ends in June next year.
Netanyahu’s office stated that Gofman, a “highly distinguished officer,” possesses “exceptional professional capabilities” and has maintained “continuous coordination” with all intelligence and security entities. His performance as military secretary during the ongoing war, characterized by rapid integration and substantial impact across multiple fronts, was highlighted as a key factor in the decision.
The PMO specifically mentioned Gofman’s instrumental role in liaising with Mossad during the operations against Hamas, commending his “creativity, initiative, ingenuity, profound understanding of the adversary, and adherence to strict confidentiality.” The Prime Minister’s Office expressed its full confidence in Gofman’s suitability for leading the Mossad.
Born in Belarus in 1976, Gofman immigrated to Israel in 1990 and joined the military in 1995. He served in the armored corps as a tank commander and held various command positions, including operations officer for the 36th Division and commander of the 210th ‘Bashan’ Regional Division. He was deployed to the Gaza border and was wounded following the October 7th attacks. Gofman is known for his close personal and professional relationship with Prime Minister Netanyahu.