Who is Roman Gofman? Israel appoints new chief of Mossad intelligence agency

"The advisory committee on senior appointments chaired by retired Supreme Court President Asher Grunis has, this evening , approved Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as Director of the Mossad," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement.

Upon receiving the committee’s approval, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed the document appointing Maj.-Gen. Gofman as the next Director of the Mossad, effective 2 July 2026, for five years.

Gen. Gofman will replace the current Head of the Mossad, David Barnea, who will conclude his five-year tenure in June 2026.

Who is Gofman?

Gen. Gofman has served in numerous operational and command roles in the IDF, including: a soldier and commander in the Armored Corps, Battalion Commander of Battalion 75 in the 7th Brigade, Operations Officer of the Ga'ash Formation (36th Division), Commander of the Etzion Brigade, Commander of the 7th Brigade, Commander of the HaBashan Division (210), Commander of the National Land Training Center, Head of the Staff for Government Operations in the Territories, and his current role – Military Secretary to the Prime Minister. 

His appointment has been made amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.