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Israel approves appointment of new intelligence agency chief

Jonathan Ernst
Jonathan Ernst
Apr 12, 2026
Israel's Military Secretary to the Prime Minister Roman Gofman waits before a joint press conference of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the State Dining Room at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 29, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Israel's Military Secretary to the Prime Minister Roman Gofman waits before a joint press conference of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the State Dining Room at the White House, in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 29, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst — Jonathan Ernst

JERUSALEM, April 12 (Reuters) - Israel approved the appointment of Roman Gofman as the new Mossad intelligence agency head, a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office said on Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to nominate Gofman in December 2025 and a committee for senior appointments approved the decision on Sunday. Gofman will start his role in June 2026, replacing the agency's current director David Barnea.

Gofman, 49, is a seasoned military general who rushed to Israel's southern border to rescue Israeli communities under fire from a Hamas-led infiltration on October 7, 2023. The incoming director currently serves as the prime minister's military secretary.

(Reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Chris Reese)