Netanyahu's Nominee Gofman Approved as Mossad Chief Amid Controversy
Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman has been approved as the head of the Mossad by a government advisory committee, concluding weeks of delays and internal disagreements. The committee, led by former Chief Justice Asher Grunis, had been reviewing Gofman's appointment due to concerns over his conduct in a past intelligence operation involving a minor. Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed off on Gofman's appointment, which will commence on June 2, 2026, for a five-year term. The review process was complicated by legal issues raised by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who questioned Gofman's handling of the case involving Uri Elmakias, a minor allegedly recruited for an influence operation. Elmakias, who faced serious security charges, argued against Gofman's appointment, claiming he was unfit to lead the agency.