Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed his close aide Roman Gofman  as the next director of the Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, in a key leadership change amid ongoing regional security challenges.

The appointment was formally approved after Netanyahu nominated Gofman, who currently serves as his military secretary, to succeed outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea. Gofman is expected to assume office in June 2026, following the completion of Barnea’s five-year term, according to official statements.

Gofman, a senior Israel Defense Forces general, has been described as one of Netanyahu’s closest security advisors, having played a central role in military coordination during the ongoing regional conflict period. His selection reflects the prime minister’s preference for trusted insiders with operational military experience rather than traditional intelligence backgrounds.

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The decision comes at a sensitive time for Israel, as the country continues to face heightened security threats and complex multi-front challenges. Gofman is widely recognized for his battlefield experience, including his involvement in responses to the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, where he was reportedly wounded during the fighting.

The appointment has also drawn attention because Gofman is not a career intelligence officer, a departure from previous Mossad leadership norms. Supporters of the move argue that his leadership skills, operational command experience, and close working relationship with Netanyahu make him suitable for the role during a period of intensified security demands.

With Gofman set to take over in mid-2026, the transition is expected to shape the direction of Israel’s external intelligence operations at a time when the country is reassessing its security priorities and regional posture.

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