On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, a ceremonial handover took place at Mossad headquarters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially welcomed Major General Roman Gofman as the new chief of the Israeli foreign intelligence service – and used the occasion to deliver a pointed warning to Tehran.
“You will be the 14th chief of the Mossad”
In his speech, Netanyahu addressed the new director directly: “Roman, you have overcome all obstacles and are being appointed the 14th chief of Israel’s Mossad.” The words were deliberately chosen – Gofman did in fact have to overcome legal hurdles before his appointment. Several non-governmental organizations had filed petitions against his appointment with the Supreme Court, which were however dismissed on May 31 in a 3:1 ruling.
I am proud to appoint Roman Gofman as the next Director of the Mossad pic.twitter.com/2DJt9foKJR
— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) June 2, 2026
The ceremony took place in the presence of high-ranking guests: the Knesset Speaker, cabinet members, the IDF Chief of Staff, and the heads of the security services – including outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea.
A clear message toward Tehran
Netanyahu also used the ceremonial setting to deliver a sharp message: “The Mossad will continue to stand at the forefront of our fight against Iranian aggression. We will not allow the Iranian regime to turn back the clock. We will not allow it to obtain nuclear weapons. We will not allow it to threaten our existence.”
Gofman himself struck similar notes in his inaugural address. Israel had dealt Iran and its axis a “strategic turning point,” thereby shifting the balance of power in the region. “The Shiite axis, which has made it its mission to destroy our country, has been dealt a severe blow,” he said. At the same time, he emphasized that the work is not done. The Mossad would continue to develop its capabilities and methods in order to maintain the element of surprise against Israel’s enemies.
From the military to the top of the Mossad
Gofman brings 31 years of military experience, including as commander of the Etzion Brigade, the 7th Armored Brigade, the 210th Division, and the National Training Center in the Negev. Most recently, he served as military secretary to Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Critics had pointed to his lack of intelligence experience – Netanyahu nonetheless nominated him in December 2025. Gofman succeeds David Barnea, whose five-year term ended as scheduled in June 2026.
Barnea bid farewell to his staff with moving words: “Your extraordinary performance – that of the men and women of the Mossad – is evident precisely where others step back. You refuse to give up. You face every task you have never done before. Before every wall and every doubt, you stand and say clearly: ‘We can do it.'”
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