Four Days Into the Job, Mossad Chief Gofman Dismisses His Deputy

Mossad chief Roman Gofman informed A., the deputy head of the Mossad, yesterday of his decision to end his tenure in the role. This was reported in an evening statement on Saturday by the Prime Minister's Office on behalf of the Mossad. The statement said Gofman intends to appoint a new deputy from within the organization. A. was appointed deputy only a few months ago and was one of the candidates for head of the Mossad. Before that, he headed the relevant Mossad division responsible for undermining the regime in Iran. He is considered a brilliant operations officer, prominent, relatively young, and a recipient of the Israel Security Prize. A.'s departure joins that of D., head of the Tevel division, and there are additional senior officials expected to leave the organization.

The evening statement said that, "The move is part of the Mossad chief's assumption of office, as he seeks to shape the senior leadership team that will accompany him in achieving the goals and challenges facing the organization in the coming years." In the statement, Gofman asked to "express his deep appreciation to A. for 22 years of operational service in the Mossad and for his significant contribution to the security of the State of Israel." A. also wished "great success to the Mossad chief in his role and made clear that he will continue to make his experience and abilities available to the Mossad and to the State of Israel as needed."

Gofman officially took up the post of Mossad chief at the command transfer ceremony at the organization's headquarters, held on Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in his speech, "You overcame all the obstacles. You overcame all the hurdles on the way to the appointment."

Gofman thanked outgoing Mossad chief Dadi Barnea and addressed the Mossad's men and women, saying, "You are the quiet and powerful voice of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. I enter this sacred place humbly, relying on your invaluable knowledge and experience. The task is not yet complete. The core of the Mossad lies in covert activity in the target. We will guard this with all our might, and continue to refine and develop capabilities and methods to surprise and influence."

Outgoing Mossad chief Dadi Barnea wished Gofman success and told the organization's employees and commanders, "Your excellence, men and women of the Mossad, is tested precisely at the point where others choose to retreat. You refuse to despair in the face of challenges. You refuse to step back from a mission."