In a notable decision, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed Major General Roman Gofman as the incoming director of the Mossad, the nation’s foreign intelligence service. Gofman, currently serving as Netanyahu’s military secretary, brings a distinguished military career to the forefront, though he has no prior operational intelligence experience. His appointment will see him take over from David Barnea, whose term concludes in mid-2025.
Official statements from the Prime Minister’s Office underscored Gofman’s “exceptional professional capabilities,” describing him as a “highly distinguished officer.” His ability to maintain “continuous coordination” with all intelligence and security agencies was highlighted as a key strength. The PMO pointed to his performance as military secretary during the ongoing war as proof of his rapid adaptation and effectiveness in complex operational environments.
The statement further detailed Gofman’s crucial role in collaborating with Mossad during the conflict with Hamas, citing his “creativity, initiative, ingenuity, deep understanding of adversaries, and unwavering commitment to discretion and confidentiality.” The Prime Minister’s Office conveyed its strong belief in Gofman’s suitability for the position, wishing him success in his new, vital role.
Roman Gofman was born in Belarus in 1976 and immigrated to Israel in 1990. His military journey began in 1995 with the armored corps, where he served as a tank commander. His extensive military background includes leading battalions and divisions, and he was stationed in the West Bank before returning to command armor units. He was appointed commander of the 210th ‘Bashan’ Regional Division in 2020 and was injured on the Gaza border after the October 7th attacks. Gofman is recognized for his close ties with Netanyahu and enjoys the prime minister’s confidence.