Mossad Chief Pushes for Strategy Head Without Security Background
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Mossad chief Roman Gofman is advancing the appointment of an external candidate with no security background to lead the agency's Strategy Division. The candidate, a high-tech executive and publicist, has been advising Gofman and is undergoing integration, but the final decision is pending. This move has caused surprise within the Mossad, as previous strategy heads were internal veterans. The agency confirmed the individual is an advisor with relevant expertise, and future employment status is under review.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Mossad chief Roman Gofman is promoting an external candidate without security experience to lead the Strategy Division.
- The candidate, a high-tech executive and publicist, has been advising Gofman for months.
- The role is a senior position, equivalent in rank to an IDF major general.
- The potential appointment has caused surprise and criticism within the Mossad.
- The Mossad confirmed the candidate is an advisor with relevant expertise, and future employment is under review.
The head of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, Roman Gofman, is reportedly seeking to appoint a high-tech executive and publicist to a senior strategy role within the organization, despite the candidate lacking any prior security experience or having served in the Mossad. This potential appointment, which has raised questions internally, is for a position equivalent in rank to a major general in the IDF.
The candidate has been serving as an external advisor to Gofman for several months and recently began integration processes within the Mossad. However, the appointment is not yet finalized. Due to the unusual nature of the candidate's background and the ongoing election period, his appointment requires approval from the Mossad's legal advisor. While approval has been granted, a final decision on his employment status is pending.
The significant gap between the candidate's background in high-tech and public commentary and the demands of the strategy role has surprised many within the agency. One source described the potential move as "absurd," especially considering that previous heads of the Strategy Division were veteran Mossad officials. This development follows Gofman's appointment of four other senior external advisors since taking office, who are paid by the Mossad but not formally employed by it. One of these advisors is a businessman reportedly associated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Strategy Division is considered highly sensitive within the Mossad, responsible for operational planning and development, even though its personnel are not directly involved in field operations. In response, the Mossad stated that the individual in question, whose identity is protected by law, is currently serving as an advisor due to extensive experience in international strategy, statesmanship, energy, high-tech, and artificial intelligence, possessing broad systemic understanding. His consultancy followed required procedures and received approval from all relevant authorities. The Mossad added that a decision on future employment is under review, considering his private activities and security restrictions, and that any future employee status would necessitate adherence to all organizational regulations.
