Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed his military secretary, Roman Goffman, as the new head of the Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence agency. The decision, announced Thursday, has reportedly sparked internal dissent within the security establishment.
According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, Goffman was selected after a series of interviews with potential candidates. He will succeed current Mossad Director David Barnea, whose five-year term is set to conclude in June 2026. The appointment is now subject to review by an advisory committee for senior-level positions.
Goffman’s background includes operational and command roles within the Israeli military, including a leadership position in the armored corps and head of the government operations headquarters in the occupied Palestinian territories. Netanyahu’s office noted that Goffman sustained serious injuries in October 2023 during clashes with Hamas fighters near the Gaza Strip.
Criticism has emerged regarding Goffman’s lack of extensive intelligence experience. Some Israeli media outlets have reported that the appointment has been met with shock within the Mossad, particularly given the tradition of outgoing directors suggesting internal candidates for consideration.
One report cited concerns about a potential lack of trust between Netanyahu and the outgoing Mossad chief. Another suggested that the Prime Minister’s wife, Sara Netanyahu, may have been involved in the selection process. There are also concerns that the appointment could lead to a wave of resignations within the agency. Senior officials within the Mossad have reportedly expressed reservations about Goffman’s suitability for the role, citing his limited background in intelligence work.
