The Advisory Committee for Appointments to Senior Positions, headed by retired Supreme Court President Asher Grunis, approved this evening (Sunday) the candidacy of Major General Roman Gofman for the position of head of the Mossad for Intelligence and Special Positions.
The committee chairman objected to the appointment, but was in the minority. The political establishment estimates that in light of the committee chairman's objection, the question of his appointment will reach the High Court.
Upon receiving the committee's approval, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed the appointment letter for the next head of the Mossad - who will take office on June 2 for a period of 5 years.
Netanyahu announced Goffman's appointment in early December.
Major General Goffman served in many operational and command positions in the IDF, including: a fighter and commander in the Armored Corps, a battalion commander in the 75th Battalion in the 7th Brigade, a company officer in the 'Gaash' formation (36th Division), the 'Etzion' Brigade, the 7th Brigade, the commander of the 'Habashen' Division (210), the commander of the National Ground Training Center, and the chief of staff of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories.
Major General Goffman has two problematic incidents in his past: The first - while he was commander of the Etzion Brigade, he operated a network of Palestinian sources in the sector, contrary to the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence, and was summoned for questioning about the incident.
The second - more serious - affair occurred while he was commander of the Bashan Division. Goffman, then an officer with the rank of Brigadier General, is suspected of carrying out an influence operation when he instructed two officers under him to pass information that was classified as top secret by the Shin Bet and the IDF to a teenager named Uri Almakiis from Ashkelon, then 17 years old, who ran a news site on Telegram.
The boy was arrested by the Shin Bet and the police and charged with treason and serious espionage, at a stage when the security forces did not know that Goffman had activated Almakeys. Only after the indictment was filed against the boy were the defense attorneys able to prove and expose the involvement of the senior officer who acted on his own initiative.
Netanyahu congratulated the appointment on social media: "General Goffman has served as my military secretary for the past two years. He is an outstanding, bold and creative officer, who demonstrated outside-the-box thinking and impressive cunning throughout the war. I wish General Goffman great success in his next role as head of the Mossad, and I am confident that he will do much for Israel's security.".
Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir: "I know Major General Roman Gofman well in his role as the Prime Minister's Military Secretary. A sharp, professional and versatile person, with strategic thinking and exceptional execution ability.
Since October 7, we have spent hundreds of hours together in the closed rooms of decision-makers - and there I have seen firsthand determination, sensitivity, and professionalism at every step. Roman brings with him a rare combination of composure, responsibility, and a deep understanding of the security challenges.
Roman immigrated to Israel, fought for it, and was even injured on October 7 - and when you look at him, you see true Zionism, deep commitment, and great love for the State of Israel.
In recent months, I have been repeatedly exposed to his quiet and significant work for the security of the state and the people of Israel. I am certain that he will fulfill his role as head of the Mossad to the best of his ability.
"Good luck Roman, the entire nation of Israel is behind you.".
