Roman Gofman Appointed as New Mossad Chief

Israel has named Major General Roman Gofman as the next director of Mossad, marking a rare move to place a career military commander with no internal intelligence background at the helm of the agency. The appointment signals a shift in Israel’s security leadership as the country continues to confront regional volatility and the long-term aftermath of the 2023 Hamas assault.

A Military Commander Chosen for an Intelligence Role

Gofman will succeed Mossad chief David Barnea when his tenure concludes in June 2026. His selection by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu follows months of deliberation and comes at a time when Israel is recalibrating its defence institutions. Gofman has served as Netanyahu’s military secretary since 2024, building a close working relationship with the prime minister.

Why Netanyahu Backed Roman Gofman

Gofman was born in Belarus in 1976 and migrated to Israel in 1990. He joined the Israel Defense Forces in 1995 and rose through the Armoured Corps, holding senior battlefield and divisional roles across northern, southern, and West Bank sectors. Netanyahu has praised his creativity, discretion, and operational judgment, highlighting his wartime performance and coordination experience with intelligence agencies.

Career Landmarks and Public Controversies

During his decades-long service, Gofman commanded key armoured brigades and regional divisions. He drew attention in 2018 for criticising the limited deployment of ground forces. His tenure in the 210th Division saw a social-media-related controversy involving the release of sensitive material, though investigations later cleared him of wrongdoing.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Roman Gofman becomes Mossad chief in June 2026.
• He previously served as military secretary to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
• Gofman was seriously injured during the Hamas assault on 7 October 2023.
• Military figures such as Meir Dagan and Danny Yatom have earlier led Mossad.

Operational Challenges and Institutional Expectations

Gofman was wounded near Sderot during the 2023 Hamas attack, later returning to senior duties before assuming his post in the Prime Minister’s Office. His ideological leanings and close ties with Netanyahu have attracted some criticism, though opposition has been mild compared to other recent security appointments. As he prepares to lead Mossad, he inherits an agency active across multiple theatres, including Iran, Lebanon, and broader regional fronts, following high-profile operations conducted under outgoing director David Barnea.