Mossad Chief Roman Gofman Reshuffles Top Ranks, Replaces Deputy From Within the Agency

Mossad chief Roman Gofman is carrying out a series of dramatic moves to reshape the organization. At the center of the changes is the appointment of a new deputy director from within the agency, and the dismissal of the previous deputy, a key figure who was former Mossad chief Dadi Barnea's candidate to succeed him.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, Gofman informed his deputy, A', of his decision to end his tenure. Gofman told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he intends to appoint a new deputy from within the organization, as part of building the senior leadership team that will accompany him in advancing the goals and challenges facing Mossad in the coming years.

The dismissed deputy, A', served 22 years in Mossad and operated at the center of the agency's operational activity in three operational divisions. He commanded two of them and led a series of groundbreaking operations, and for his achievements he received five Israel Security Awards. It should be noted that A' was the candidate of the previous Mossad chief, Dadi Barnea, to succeed him, but Netanyahu opposed this and chose Gofman.

According to a report by Ynet, the dismissed deputy was the person who, over the past six months, drove with unprecedented force the effort to bring down the regime in Iran. He headed the influence division he developed, where his name also made headlines in controversial contexts after he hired an external consultant with a questionable reputation in the field of consciousness engineering, a move that triggered waves of internal criticism. In the past, the senior official was responsible for sensitive projects, including the "body heat" operation to locate Ron Arad.

A' congratulated the new Mossad chief on his appointment and made clear that he would continue to place his experience and capabilities at the agency's and the State of Israel's disposal as needed.

Alongside the appointment of the new deputy, Gofman is also making additional changes in Mossad's communications and spokespersons unit. According to reports, the Mossad chief has decided to appoint an internal spokesperson from within the agency, alongside a new external communications adviser. The incoming external adviser will replace her predecessor, who accompanied outgoing Mossad chief Dadi Barnea and is leaving the organization with him.

The appointment of the external communications adviser has drawn considerable interest because of the candidate's clear professional background. The new adviser comes with extensive security experience, having previously been responsible for establishing the spokespersons division in the Shin Bet, where she served for many years.

It was also reported that after her tenure in the Shin Bet, she served in another security body, from which she is expected to retire soon in order to focus on her new role in Mossad. People familiar with her work note that she is highly regarded professionally.

Gofman's first appointments come after he officially entered his role as Mossad chief, following the appointment controversy that ended with Supreme Court approval. The moves indicate the new Mossad chief's desire to put his stamp on the organization and build a senior team that matches his vision and the challenges facing Mossad.

As noted, Gofman served as Prime Minister Netanyahu's military secretary over the past two years, and in that role gained extensive experience coordinating between the political and military echelons. His place as military secretary was taken by Brig. Gen. Guy Markizano, who was promoted to the rank of major general upon entering the position.