Israel Appoints Major General Roman Gofman as Next Mossad Chief

Roman Gofman Appointed as Next Mossad Director: A Military Commander Takes Charge of Israel’s Intelligence Future

Israel has named Major General Roman Gofman as the next director of Mossad , marking a rare shift toward appointing a senior military commander with no traditional intelligence background to lead the country’s premier spy agency. The decision comes amid heightened regional tension and Israel’s ongoing security recalibrations following the 2023 Hamas attack.

A Military Leader Transitioning Into Intelligence

Gofman will assume office in June 2026 , succeeding current Mossad chief David Barnea . His selection by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reflects a strategic preference for operational experience and wartime leadership. Since 2024, Gofman has served as military secretary to the Prime Minister , deepening his involvement in national-level intelligence coordination and strategic decision-making.

Why Netanyahu Chose Gofman

Born in Belarus in 1976 , Gofman migrated to Israel as a teenager and joined the IDF in 1995 . His rise through the Armoured Corps included commanding major formations across the northern, southern and West Bank regions. Netanyahu has cited his creativity , discretion , and command performance during conflict as key reasons for the appointment. His battlefield experience, particularly in combined operations with intelligence units, is viewed as an asset in shaping Mossad’s future posture.

Career Highlights and Public Controversies

Gofman gained public attention in 2018 after openly criticising limited use of ground forces. While heading the 210th Division , he was involved in a social-media controversy involving sensitive material, though he was ultimately cleared. He was also seriously injured during the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault near Sderot , returning to serve shortly afterward.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Roman Gofman will take over Mossad in June 2026 .

• He is currently military secretary to Prime Minister Netanyahu .

• Gofman was wounded during the 2023 Hamas attack .

• Military leaders such as Meir Dagan and Danny Yatom previously led Mossad.

Challenges Ahead for Mossad’s Incoming Director

Gofman’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment: Mossad is engaged across multiple theatres—including Iran, Lebanon, Gaza, and cyber-intelligence fronts . His leadership will shape Israel’s intelligence strategy amid evolving regional dynamics. While some critics question the political closeness between Gofman and Netanyahu, opposition to his selection has been relatively limited compared with other recent security appointments.