A Hawkish figure set to become the new Mossad chief

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced today that Benjamin Netanyahu has selected his secretary and military adviser, Major General Roman Gofman, as the next director of the Mossad. The current head of the intelligence agency, David Barnea, will complete his five-year term in June 2026.

According to Israel’s Channel 12, Netanyahu’s choice of Gofman—who is closely aligned with him—means he has rejected the two candidates recommended by Barnea. Netanyahu’s nominee will now be reviewed by the Advisory Committee on Senior Appointments.

Gofman advanced through the Israeli Army’s Armored Corps and eventually commanded a division before leaving combat roles.

Netanyahu’s office stated in a press release: “Gofman is an exceptional officer. His appointment as the prime minister’s military secretary in the midst of war demonstrated his outstanding professional abilities—from his rapid entry into the role to his immediate and significant contribution across seven warfronts.”

According to the Russian outlet RT, Gofman was born in Belarus and immigrated to Israel at the age of 14.

He is widely described as a hardliner and a strong advocate of full Israeli military control over the Gaza Strip.

Following the announcement, Israeli media also reported that Gofman’s name had previously surfaced in a controversial case that shook Israel’s military establishment.

The case involved the recruitment of an Israeli teenager to carry out targeted activities on social media—a matter whose disclosure was permitted only earlier this year.

Although Gofman denied any knowledge of the details, available documents indicated that officers under his command had been aware of the operation. Media outlets note that this could once again raise questions about his transparency and managerial integrity as the incoming Mossad chief.