After Israel’s Supreme Court rejected petitions against Major General Roman Gofman’s appointment as Mossad chief and ruled that his conduct in the Elmakayes affair “does not cast ethical doubt on him, certainly not such as to disqualify him from serving as Mossad director,” the appointment officially took effect.
1+The handover ceremony for the director of the Mossad for Intelligence and Special Operations was held today (Tuesday) at the agency’s headquarters, attended by the Prime Minister and top security officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated Gofman on the appointment and noted the complex path he traveled to reach this moment. “Roman, you overcame all obstacles, and you are being appointed as Israel’s 14th Mossad director,” Netanyahu said. “You showed that you have impressive learning ability, sharp thinking, exceptional cunning skills, and no less than that—a will to win.”
Netanyahu also emphasized in his remarks the central mission facing the new Mossad chief: the relentless fight against Iranian terror. “The Mossad will continue to be at the spearhead of our struggle against Iran’s aggression,” the Prime Minister declared. “We will not allow the Iranian regime to turn back the clock. We will not let it obtain nuclear weapons, and we will not let it threaten our existence.”
1+Incoming Mossad director Major General Roman Gofman thanked outgoing Mossad director Dadi Barnea for leading the organization to major achievements and made clear he intends to continue the offensive and covert approach. “The strategic reversal we inflicted on the Iranian axis changed the power equation in the entire region,” Gofman said. “The Shiite axis was hit hard, but the work is not done. The Mossad’s core is covert activity in the target, and we will continue to develop methods, surprise, and influence.”
Outgoing Mossad director David Barnea wished his successor success and praised the organization’s employees for their determination in the face of unprecedented challenges. “Face forward,” Gofman concluded his remarks after officially entering the position. Gofman brings with him 31 years of operational experience in the IDF, including commanding the 7th Brigade, the 210th Division, and the National Training Center, and he will now need to navigate the Israeli intelligence ship through the turbulent waters of the Middle East.