According to a report by The Times of Israel on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military secretary and nominee to become the next head of the Mossad intelligence agency, has stated that he intends to pursue the appointment despite mounting legal and institutional opposition.
Gofman has reportedly told associates that he is determined to see the process through, even as pressure builds from senior legal authorities and, according to reports, elements within the intelligence community. “I plan on going all the way,” he said in meetings, according to Channel 12. “I believe the appointment will pass the High Court.”
The appointment has become increasingly controversial following a formal position submitted to the High Court of Justice by Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who expressed strong opposition to Gofman’s candidacy. She urged the court to cancel the appointment, describing it as suffering from “extreme and glaring unreasonableness” linked to allegations surrounding his previous conduct in a case involving a minor allegedly used in an influence operation.
According to the report, the case led to the detention and interrogation of a teenager by the Shin Bet domestic security agency. The minor was reportedly held in isolation for two months, later charged with espionage offences, and spent 18 months in detention before the charges were ultimately dropped. The attorney general’s office cited these circumstances in its objection to Gofman’s suitability for the top intelligence role.
Further resistance has also been reported from within the security establishment. Current Mossad chief David Barnea is said to oppose the appointment, adding another layer of institutional concern over the decision. Despite this, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly defended his nominee and continued to back Gofman amid growing scrutiny.
The report also states that Gofman has been actively preparing for a potential transition into the role. He is said to be assembling a team, selecting senior aides, and holding meetings with high-ranking Mossad officials as he positions himself for possible leadership of the agency.
At the same time, Netanyahu has reportedly been engaging in separate consultations with senior Israel Defense Forces officers as part of broader personnel considerations linked to Gofman’s current position as military secretary.
The dispute now places the High Court at the centre of a sensitive decision involving national security leadership, legal authority, and political backing, with the outcome likely to shape the future leadership of Israel’s external intelligence agency…….See More
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