The High Appointments Committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court President Asher Gronis, approved the appointment of Brigadier General Roman Goffman as the head of the Mossad. This was announced in a statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The statement clarified that after receiving the committee's approval, Netanyahu signed the appointment order for the new head of the Mossad. Goffman will assume his position on June 2, 2026, for a five-year term. This appointment is notable as Goffman previously served as the military secretary to the Prime Minister, reflecting the high level of trust Netanyahu places in him to lead one of Israel's most sensitive intelligence agencies. Last year, Netanyahu announced his decision to appoint his military secretary as the new head of the Mossad, a move that sparked controversy in security circles. Among former officials of the agency, there were sharp critics of Goffman's appointment. They pointed out his lack of an intelligence background, experience in management, or sufficient knowledge of the agency's core functions. Former Mossad officials estimate that the appointment could trigger a wave of resignations within the agency. Former security officials believed this step showed Netanyahu's desire to 'tighten his grip' on the Mossad, similar to what happened with the appointment of David Barnea to head the Shin Bet (General Security Service). According to reports, intervention in sensitive appointments within security agencies raises concerns among former officials, who see these recent steps as an attempt to solidify direct political influence over the intelligence services. However, despite objections from committee chairman, retired Supreme Court Justice Asher Gronis, the committee approved the appointment of Brigadier General Roman Goffman as head of the Mossad. Political assessments in Israel suggest that, given the chairman's objections, the matter of his appointment will be referred to the Supreme Court.
