Mossad and Shin Bet Leadership Appointments Spark Internal Criticism and Legal Review

Plans by Mossad chief Roman Gofman to appoint a high-tech specialist to head the intelligence agency's strategy division have triggered sharp criticism within the service. The candidate, who has been working as an external consultant for Gofman for several months, reportedly lacks security experience and knowledge of the organization, according to sources familiar with the intelligence service. This sensitive position is considered equivalent to a major general in the IDF. The appointment, though not yet finalized, has received approval from the Mossad's legal advisor and the candidate is undergoing the onboarding process. Concerns have also been raised about Gofman's external advisors attending meetings of division heads, with some reportedly also working for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Gofman has appointed four senior external advisors who are paid by Mossad but are not official employees, including a businessman linked to Netanyahu. These meetings are where highly sensitive Mossad operations are discussed, and the presence of external advisors is seen by some employees as undermining the forum for open discussion and expressing distrust. Critics accuse Gofman of disregarding objections and favoring compliant subordinates, potentially jeopardizing the organization's effectiveness.

Separately, the Legal Advisor to the Government, Gali Baharav-Miara, is reviewing intended appointments by Shin Bet head David Zini within the agency, just weeks before elections. These appointments, some reportedly involving individuals without prior intelligence or counter-terrorism experience, are being scrutinized to determine if they are necessary and should be made before the next government takes office. One report indicated Zini planned to appoint an IDF brigadier general with no experience in counter-terrorism to lead the unit combating terrorism among Israeli Arabs. The Shin Bet stated that leadership changes are part of a planned rotation, are legal, and based on professional selection considering candidate qualifications and experience.