From Netanyahu’s side to Mossad’s helm: Roman Gofman to lead Israel’s intelligence agency

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has named his military secretary, Major General Roman Gofman, as the next head of Mossad, backing a close aide with battlefield experience to lead the country’s top intelligence agency.

The appointment, cleared by an advisory panel on senior positions, comes at a time of heightened regional tensions, with Israel’s security establishment navigating ongoing conflict and evolving threats.

Advertisement

Netanyahu calls Gofman ‘bold and creative’

Confirming the decision in a post on X, Netanyahu said he had approved Gofman’s appointment after it was vetted by a committee led by former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis.

“Major General Gofman has served as my military secretary for the past two years. He is an outstanding officer–bold and creative–who has demonstrated throughout the war a perspective outside the box and impressive resourcefulness. I wish Major General Gofman great success in his next role as Mossad chief, and I am confident that he will do much for Israel’s security,” Netanyahu stated.

When Gofman takes charge and who he replaces

According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, Gofman will take over as Director of the Israeli Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations on July 2, 2026, for a five-year term.

Upon receiving the committee’s approval, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed the document appointing Maj.-Gen. Gofman as the next Director of the Mossad, effective 2 July 2026, for five years.

2/2

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) April 12, 2026

As reported by The Times of Israel, he will succeed outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea, whose tenure is set to conclude in June.

Close aide with operational and strategic roles

Gofman is considered a trusted associate of Netanyahu and has served as his military secretary for nearly two years. In that role, he travelled on behalf of the prime minister on various assignments and helped oversee the execution of directives within the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the Times of Israel reported.

Born in Belarus, Gofman moved to Israel with his family in 1990 at the age of 14. He later built his career in the IDF Armoured Corps, eventually rising to the rank of division commander before stepping away from frontline roles.

Injury during October 7 attack, policy views spark debate

During the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, Gofman was commanding the Tzeelim training base. He reportedly rushed to the Gaza border and was seriously injured in a firefight with militants near Sderot.

Before taking up his current role in 2024, he had authored a policy paper suggesting that Israel retain military control over Gaza after defeating Hamas, a proposal that triggered debate within policy circles.