Mossad Director Gofman prevented from handling 'Qatargate' over conflict of interest

Mossad Director Maj.-Gen. (res.) Roman Gofman will recuse himself from handling any investigations into the "Qatargate" affair, citing a conflict of interest. Gofman previously served as the Prime Minister's military secretary from May 2024 until he assumed his current role as Israel's spy chief in June.

The "Qatargate" investigation centers on suspicions that Qatar-linked interests attempted to exert influence within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's wartime advisory circle. Gofman's close association and personal relationship with former colleagues in the Prime Minister's Office are seen as creating a conflict of interest should he be involved in the investigation.

The Prosecutor's Office had been awaiting a security opinion from the Mossad to determine whether "Qatargate" had compromised Israel's national security. The presentation of this opinion was reportedly delayed due to Gofman's transition into his new position as Mossad chief. According to N12 News, the Mossad has decided to assign a different professional from within the spy agency to handle the matter.