Netanyahu appoints Roman Gofman as Mossad chief, with questions about fit
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, his military secretary, to succeed David Barnea as Mossad director, effective June 2. A Belarus-born 49-year-old with strong military credentials but limited Mossad background, Gofman has large PM backing and reported support from IDF Chief Zamir, but critics worry about his lack of agency experience and English fluency. Analysts note his decisiveness and battlefield-tested leadership as potential strengths, while internal Mossad rivalries and adapting to a global spy role could pose challenges.