A veteran field commander turned military secretary, Gofman is set to take Israel’s top intelligence post amid scrutiny over past operational decisions and the Mossad’s evolving regional challenges.
Roman Gofman was appointed to serve as the next Mossad director, the Prime Minister’s Office announced on Thursday. The PMO said Gofman, currently Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military secretary, will succeed David Barnea.
Gofman has held senior command posts, including commander of Battalion 75, the Etzion Regional Brigade, the 7th Armored Brigade, the Bashan Division, and the IDF Ground Training Center at Tze’elim. He was also the most senior IDF officer wounded during the Gaza war.
Since May 2024, Gofman has served as Netanyahu’s military secretary, a role in which the PMO said he earned full confidence and high regard. He was involved in establishing the humanitarian mechanism for food distribution inside the Gaza Strip.
In May 2024, Channel 13 reported that Sara Netanyahu briefly joined an additional interview in the process to appoint Gofman as military secretary, which sources described as unusual involvement.
In January 2024, Haaretz reported that while commanding the 210th Division, Gofman approved the participation of a teenager in an influence operation, leading to the youth’s prolonged detention. The indictment was later canceled after it emerged the teenager had acted for the army.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shaking hands with Maj.-Gen.Roman Gofman. (credit: PRIME MINISTER’S OFFICE)
Call for investigation over use of a minor
In March 2025, the IDF Military Defense asked the Military Prosecutor to open a criminal investigation into Gofman’s conduct, alleging he tasked the teenager, identified as Elmakias, while a minor, with an intelligence mission without proper authority and in a manner that endangered his life.
Gofman’s appointment comes as the Mossad navigates regional threats and ongoing hostage diplomacy. The PMO did not specify a transition timetable in Thursday’s announcement.