Elmakayes warns of Gofman's Mossad appointment posing a threat to Israel's national security

Ori Elmakayes has strongly condemned the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as the head of Mossad, describing it as a serious threat to Israels national security. Elmakayes shared his concerns in a post on X/Twitter on Thursday, emphasizing that such an appointment "must not happen" and labeling Gofman as "a genuine danger to the State of Israel."

Earlier that day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Gofmans promotion to lead the intelligence agency. Gofman currently serves as the Prime Minister's military secretary.

Elmakayes recounted that he was detained by the Shin Bet at age 17 after receiving classified information from two intelligence officers under Gofmans command. The information was intended to be published on Telegram as part of an unapproved influence operation targeting enemy organizations. Elmakayes stated that Gofman "abandoned" him during the operation, leaving him to face espionage charges alone.

I was used for intelligence-gathering, activating agents in enemy countries, and other operations against terrorist groups, putting my life at risk, Elmakayes explained. Afterward, Gofman denied any responsibility and disavowed me.

As a result of the abandonment, Elmakayes was imprisoned, interrogated intensively, and endured physical and psychological hardships for over a year, despite being innocent and acting in the interest of Israels security. He emphasized that someone who treated him this way should never lead Mossad.

Elmakayes highlighted the potential danger to Mossad personnel under Gofmans leadership: "If he abandoned me, who will prevent him from abandoning others in operational situations?" He concluded that Gofman is "unfit to be Mossad chief, neither as a commander nor as an officer."

Elmakayes was held in isolation for roughly two months and later faced trial on espionage charges. He was eventually released after suspicions against him weakened. No criminal charges were pursued against Gofman or his subordinates, though the IDF issued an internal reprimand.

Elmakayess lawyer, Orit Hayoun, detailed the broader circumstances of the incident, noting that Elmakayes ran a Telegram channel with thousands of followers that the military sought to exploit for psychological operations. Hayoun stressed that involving a minor in such operations without formal oversight, protection, or clear guidelines was highly improper.

During his detention, Elmakayes faced "hostile factors," including a sudden night raid by Shin Bet agents in May 2022. He was interrogated about posts he had published under direct military instructions. Despite promptly identifying his IDF handlers, no action was taken to verify his claims, leaving the minor to face the investigation alone. Crucial evidence on his phone was only reviewed after more than a year, ultimately leading to his acquittal.

Hayoun criticized the decision to appoint Gofman as Mossad chief, warning: "If someone who abandoned a teenager in military service leads Mossad, the risk is immense." She added that the treatment of Elmakayes as a 17-year-old reflects a profound disregard for human life and raises serious concerns about the ethical and professional responsibility of someone entrusted with leading one of Israel's most sensitive agencies.

Analysis: The Appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as Mossad Head Raises Serious Concerns

The recent appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as the head of Mossad has sparked significant controversy, particularly from Ori Elmakayes, who has strongly criticized the decision. Elmakayes, a former detainee of Shin Bet, expressed grave concerns about the implications of such a promotion, suggesting that Gofman’s leadership could pose a serious threat to Israel's national security. Elmakayes’ criticism stems from his personal experience under Gofman’s command, during which he claims to have been abandoned in a critical moment of his service.

Elmakayes recounted his involvement in a controversial intelligence operation, where he was allegedly left to face espionage charges alone after receiving classified information under Gofman’s supervision. According to Elmakayes, the operation targeted enemy organizations but was not officially approved. As a result, he faced harsh interrogations and physical hardships for over a year, despite being innocent. His story raises concerns about the accountability and ethical behavior of individuals in positions of power within Israel's intelligence community.

Elmakayes’ comments highlight the potential risks to Mossad personnel if Gofman were to lead the agency. The question remains: if Gofman abandoned Elmakayes in such a vulnerable situation, how can other agents or operatives trust his leadership during high-stakes missions? Such concerns underscore the importance of ethical leadership in intelligence agencies, where the safety and well-being of personnel are paramount.

Furthermore, Elmakayes’ lawyer, Orit Hayoun, pointed out the larger issue of unregulated intelligence operations involving minors, which could have serious repercussions for the integrity and safety of future operations. The decision to appoint Gofman, given his past actions, raises profound ethical questions about the leadership and oversight within Israel’s intelligence services. The risks associated with Gofman’s leadership are not only personal but could also impact the broader security of the state.

As Israel faces complex security challenges, the importance of transparent, accountable, and ethical leadership cannot be overstated. The appointment of Gofman to lead Mossad, without addressing these concerns, could undermine public trust in Israel's intelligence apparatus and jeopardize national security interests in the long term.

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• 'Danger to Israel’s national security': Elmakayes warns against Gofman's Mossad appointment