Netanyahu Names Gofman as Next Mossad Director

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday the appointment of Major General Roman Gofman as the next director of Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency, following approval by the government's Senior Appointments Advisory Committee. Gofman, currently serving as Netanyahu's military secretary, will replace David Barnea when his five-year term ends on June 2, 2026.

Gofman, 49, was born in Belarus and immigrated to Israel with his family in 1990 at the age of 14. He joined the Israel Defense Forces in 1995 and built a distinguished career in the Armored Corps, rising through command positions including the Etzion Brigade from 2015 to 2017 and the 7th Armored Brigade from 2017 to 2019. He later served as commander of the 210th Division in the Golan Heights from 2020 to 2022 and as chief of staff for the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories. In April 2024, he was appointed military secretary to Netanyahu, where he has coordinated security matters and represented the prime minister on various assignments.

Gofman's military record includes notable acts of bravery. During the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, he drove from his home in Ashdod to...