Gaza Genocide · 12 April, 2026 · 1 min read
Netanyahu Appoints Military Secretary Roman Gofman As Mossad Chief Starting June 2026
Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman becomes Mossad chief on June 2, 2026, for a five-year term. Senior appointments committee approved the appointment, Netanyahu signed the official letter.
Framing of Mossad’s actions vs emphasis on ethical controversy.
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Same story, two versions
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Al-Jazeera Net
“The Mossad's role has stood out in Israelis' view as the covert arm of extraterritorial assassinations, credited with planning and executing high-profile operations targeting prominent leaders.”Read the original ↗
The Times of Israel
“As commander, Gofmanapprovedthe use of a 17-year-old, Ori Elmakayes, for an Arabic-language influence campaign against Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas, leading to the teen’s prolonged detention by security authorities after he was accused of publishing classified information.”Read the original ↗
One source emphasizes the Mossad as a commander of covert operations; the other highlights a past ethical controversy connected to Gofman, shaping readers’ view of the appointment as either a continuation of aggressive security policy or a matter of ethical concern.
Gofman Appointed Mossad Chief
Netanyahu formally appointed Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman as the next head of the Mossad.
“The Office of the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the appointment of General Roman Gofman to head the Mossad”
The appointment was approved by the advisory committee, though Grunis remained in the minority.
Gofman is a seasoned military general who has served as Netanyahu's military secretary since April 2024.
He was wounded during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023.
The nomination has drawn criticism from officials who say he lacks the traditional background.
Controversy Over Elmakayes Case
The committee's report dealt extensively with an incident involving 17-year-old Ori Elmakayes.
Elmakayes was detained after being accused of publishing classified information.
Grunis wrote that the use of a minor was an extremely serious ethical and moral flaw.
Elmakayes slammed the decision as ridiculous.
The committee declined to hear directly from Elmakayes.
Divergent Views on Gofman
Gofman received praise from Netanyahu and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir.
“Barnea strongly opposed Gofman's appointment and said he is someone who abuses his power”
Zamir suggested Gofman could have replaced him as chief of staff.
Barnea strongly opposed Gofman's appointment.
Ori Elmakayes vowed to fight to disqualify the appointment.
The nomination has drawn criticism from civil society organizations.
Gofman's Background and Role
Gofman emigrated to Israel in 1990 at age 14.
He rose through the IDF Armored Corps, becoming a division commander.
He was seriously wounded during the October 7, 2023 onslaught.
Before becoming military secretary, he wrote a controversial document on Gaza.
The Mossad has been credited with eliminating leaders from Hezbollah and Iran.