Mossad Chief Roman Gofman Faces Senior Staff Exodus Amid Major Changes
Translated & summarized from Kipa by baba
Mossad Director Roman Gofman is facing significant internal criticism following the departure or dismissal of over ten senior officials, including department heads. Critics argue Gofman, who is new to the organization, is alienating experienced staff. Gofman has also revived a controversial "voluntary migration" project for Gazans and is reportedly pushing for a more aggressive policy towards Iran, including a recent trip to the US.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mossad Director Roman Gofman is facing criticism over the departure of over ten senior officials.
- Key figures including the deputy head and heads of intelligence and Iran departments have left.
- Gofman has revived a controversial "voluntary migration" project for Gazan residents.
- External consultants are being brought into senior Mossad forums, drawing criticism.
- Gofman is reportedly advocating for a more assertive stance against Iran.
- The Mossad chief recently visited the US to discuss confronting Iran.
Less than six months into his tenure as head of the Mossad, Maj. Gen. (res.) Roman Gofman is overseeing a significant shake-up within the intelligence agency's senior ranks. Over ten former senior officials have reportedly criticized Gofman's changes, with several key figures already departing or being dismissed. Two additional department heads are expected to leave soon.
Among those who have left or are expected to depart are "A," the deputy head of the Mossad and a natural successor to the top job; "K," who led the intelligence department; "Y," who headed the Iran department; and "D," the operations chief. The Mossad's comptroller, also a member of the senior leadership forum, is also leaving, with another senior official slated to announce their departure this week.
While Gofman's supporters describe these moves as natural transitions and an effort to build a new team, critics argue that Gofman, who is not from within the organization, is sidelining experienced personnel. "When you don't know the organization and its work, surround yourself with those who do. Come to learn," one former official stated.
Adding to the controversy is Gofman's revival of the "voluntary migration" project, aimed at finding countries willing to accept Gazan residents. This initiative, reportedly initiated under former Mossad chief Dadi Barnea at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request, faced internal opposition. Gofman has now appointed a retired official to lead the project.
The inclusion of external consultants and business figures in high-level Mossad forums has also drawn criticism, viewed by some former officials as an unusual departure from past practices. Mossad sources, however, argue this broader consultation is necessary to address new challenges facing Israel.
Furthermore, Gofman is reportedly advocating for a more assertive stance on Iran. He previously pushed for a plan to overthrow the Iranian regime via the Kurds, a concept that may be revisited. Gofman recently traveled to the United States, reportedly to persuade President Donald Trump to re-engage in confronting Iran.
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