Netanyahu replaces Mossad director David Barnea

Prime Minister Netanyahu taps his military secretary, Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, to lead Israel’s national intelligence agency, the Mossad.

By World Israel News Staff

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed his military secretary to serve as director of Israel’s national intelligence agency, the Mossad, replacing outgoing director David Barnea.

On Thursday morning, the Prime Minister’s Office announced that after interviewing various candidates, Netanyahu has tapped Major General Roman Gofman to lead the Mossad starting next June, when Barnea is slated to conclude his five-year tenure.

Netanyahu’s appointment of Gofman will be brought before the Advisory Committee for the Appointment of Senior Officials for approval later on Thursday.

Gofman has served in numerous operational and command roles in the IDF, including as soldier and commander in the Armored Corps, Battalion Commander of Battalion 75 in the 7th Brigade, Operations Officer of the Ga’ash Formation (36th Division), Commander of the Etzion Brigade, Commander of the 7th Brigade, Commander of the HaBashan Division (210), Commander of the National Land Training Center, and Head of the Staff for Government Operations in the Territories.

He currently serves as Military Secretary to the Prime Minister.

“Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman is an officer of great merit,” Netanyahu’s office said Thursday.

“His appointment as the Military Secretary to the Prime Minister in the midst of the War of Redemption proved his exceptional professional capabilities, from his rapid entry into the role to his immediate and significant involvement in the seven theaters of the war.”

The Prime Minister’s Office noted that Gofman “has been in continuous contact with all intelligence and security services, especially with the Mossad,” during his term as military secretary, lauding his “creativity, initiative, stratagem, deep recognition of the enemy, absolute discretion.”

“These qualities, as well as his leadership and courage, were evident at the outbreak of the War of Redemption, when he rushed from his home and fought in person against Hamas terrorists in the Western Negev, where he was severely wounded.”

“The Prime Minister believes that Maj.-Gen. Gofman is the worthiest and most suitable candidate for the position of Director of the Mossad and wishes him great success in this important role.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (Otzma Yehudit) praised Gofman and lauded Netanyahu for the selection.

“I welcome the Prime Minister’s decision to appoint his military secretary, Major General Roman Gofman, as the head of the Mossad,” Ben-Gvir said. “I know Major General Gofman very well; I had the privilege of seeing up close his professionalism, his sense of responsibility, and his uncompromising dedication to Israel’s security.”

“Roman is a hero of Israel, who on October 7 went into battle to defend the country and acted with exceptional determination and devotion.”