Who will be the next Mossad chief in Israel, Roman Gofman?

Roman Gofman, a seasoned military commander and current military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been named Israels next Mossad director, the Prime Ministers Office announced on Thursday. He will take over from David Barnea, stepping into the nations top intelligence position amid growing regional challenges and scrutiny of past decisions.

Gofmans military career includes leadership roles as commander of Battalion 75, the Etzion Regional Brigade, the 7th Armored Brigade, the Bashan Division, and the IDF Ground Training Center at Tzeelim. Notably, he was the highest-ranking officer injured during the Gaza conflict. Since May 2024, he has served as Netanyahus military secretary, a position in which he gained strong confidence and recognition from the Prime Ministers Office.

During his tenure as military secretary, Gofman helped establish a humanitarian framework for food distribution within the Gaza Strip. Earlier reports noted unusual involvement by Sara Netanyahu in the process leading to his appointment.

Gofmans record has faced scrutiny. In January 2024, while leading the 210th Division, he authorized a minors participation in an influence operation, resulting in prolonged detention. The case was later dropped after it became clear the teenager acted under military orders. In March 2025, the IDF Military Defense requested the Military Prosecutor to investigate allegations that Gofman assigned the intelligence task to the minor without proper authority, potentially endangering the youths life.

His appointment coincides with the Mossad confronting complex regional threats and ongoing hostage-related diplomacy. The Prime Ministers Office did not provide a specific timeline for the transition.

Author: Ava Mitchell