Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Selects Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as Next Mossad Chief

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has selected Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as the next head of the Mossad, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Thursday. He is set to replace current Mossad chief David Barnea, whose five-year term ends in June. Gofman’s selection places a frontline commander from the Iron Swords War at the head of Israel’s intelligence service. His rapid rise during the war, combined with his long operational background, drew praise across the coalition.

Gofman has held a wide range of senior operational and command posts in the IDF, including battalion commander in the 75th Battalion of the 7th Brigade, operations officer in the Ga’ash Formation, commander of the Etzion Brigade, commander of the 7th Brigade, commander of the Bashan Division, head of the National Ground Training Center, and head of the operations staff within the Coordinator of Government Activities framework. He currently serves as the prime minister’s military secretary. During the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, he rushed from his home to fight in the Gaza envelope and was seriously wounded in combat, and later recovered after surgeries.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said that “Major-General Roman Gofman is a highly distinguished officer. His appointment as the military secretary during the Iron Swords War demonstrated his extraordinary professional capabilities, from his rapid entry into the role to his immediate involvement across the seven arenas of the war.” The statement said he maintained continuous coordination with intelligence bodies, “especially with the Mossad,” and praised his “creativity, initiative, cunning, deep understanding of the enemy, absolute discretion, and strict secrecy.” According to the PMO, these qualities were evident on Oct. 7, “when he rushed from his home and fought Hamas terrorists in the Gaza envelope, where he was severely wounded.” Netanyahu considers him “the most worthy and suitable candidate” and wished him success, adding, “His success is our success.”

Defense Minister Israel Katz called Gofman “a highly distinguished officer, a true warrior who seeks contact, and a commander with rich operational and intelligence experience.” Katz said Gofman’s leadership on Oct. 7 proved his character and that “his drive to seek contact and lead forward will be a significant advantage as Mossad chief against our enemies.”

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir also praised the appointment, saying he has seen Gofman’s “professionalism, responsibility, and uncompromising dedication to Israel’s security.” He called him “a hero of Israel” for his actions on Oct. 7, expressing confidence that he will bring “the same execution ability, courage, and dedication” to the Mossad.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Gofman “is an outstanding officer who is not afraid to speak the truth and seek engagement,” noting he was among the small group of senior commanders who warned repeatedly before Oct. 7 about dangerous assumptions. He said he is confident Gofman will “take the Mossad’s remarkable achievements to new heights.”

Minister Miri Regev called the appointment “fitting for an organization with sensitive and important missions,” praising his professional record and expressing confidence that he will lead the Mossad “with a steady hand and great wisdom.”