Cracks in Mossad: Israel's Intelligence Establishment Rejects Netanyahu's Choice
Roman Gofman’s appointment as the next Mossad chief has triggered open resistance within the agency, with senior officials threatening to resign amid Israel’s ongoing war and deepening security crisis
Palestine, PUREWILAYAH.COM — Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to appoint Major General Roman Gofman as the next director of Mossad has sparked widespread opposition within Israel’s intelligence agency and could lead to a wave of resignations among its senior officials.
Outgoing Mossad Chief Publicly Opposes the Appointment
Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported on Monday (May 19) that Netanyahu’s choice may trigger a large-scale exodus from Mossad, amid concerns that the appointment is based more on personal loyalty to the prime minister than on professional qualifications.
According to the report, David Barnea, the current Mossad director whose term is nearing its end, has openly opposed Gofman’s appointment. Mossad is preparing for a formal handover ceremony scheduled for June 2, while Israel’s Supreme Court continues to review legal petitions challenging the decision.
Barnea has stated that Gofman lacks the qualifications necessary to lead Mossad, particularly under wartime conditions.
He said Gofman “does not possess sufficient intelligence experience to lead Mossad during a time of war.”
Loyalty to Netanyahu Raises Serious Concerns
Yedioth Ahronoth also revealed that Barnea had made significant efforts to promote his deputy, identified only by the initial “A,” as his successor. However, Netanyahu rejected the recommendation.
Despite the ongoing legal proceedings and the absence of a final ruling from the Supreme Court, Mossad has continued preparations for Gofman’s inauguration.
The newspaper said the identity of the next Mossad chief has become a major topic of discussion inside the organization, with employees closely monitoring every development related to the appointment.
Sources familiar with the agency’s internal atmosphere said that if Gofman’s appointment is ultimately approved, many senior officials are expected to leave the organization.
The central concern is that Gofman was chosen not because of his military or security credentials, but solely due to his “absolute loyalty to Benjamin Netanyahu.”
Limited Intelligence Background and Poor English Skills
Opposition to Gofman also stems from his career background. He comes from the Israeli military (IDF) and has no prior experience leading or serving within intelligence and espionage systems.
A senior Mossad official, speaking anonymously to Yedioth Ahronoth, said:
“Gofman has never held a position that would give him the experience and strategic depth required to lead an organization as complex as Mossad. We are not in a period of peace or even a temporary ceasefire. We are in the middle of a full-scale war, and there is no time for training or trial and error. In addition, Gofman is not even fluent in English and would need an interpreter to conduct his international communications.” (PW)