Mossad international relations head steps down following Gofman appointment

The head of the Mossad's international relations branch announced his resignation on Monday, following the High Court of Justice's approval of Roman Gofman as the new head of the intelligence agency. The departure comes amid expectations that other senior officials may also step down. Gofman's appointment navigated significant legal scrutiny, with two petitions filed against it. These centered on the "Ori Elmakayes affair," alleging that Elmakayes was used in an influence operation in 2022 by the IDF's 210th Division, then commanded by Gofman. Elmakayes was later arrested and indicted, though his indictment was eventually canceled after his lawyers presented evidence of the division's operation. Ori Elmakayes stated on Twitter/X that while the court did not intervene, he found peace in his struggle and its achievements. Meanwhile, Israeli officials voiced support for Gofman. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the Attorney-General's "campaign of defamation," asserting Gofman's worthiness. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir hailed Gofman as a "fighter, a commander, and a true Zionist," while Defense Minister Israel Katz expressed gladness that "justice has prevailed." Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett wished Gofman well and thanked the outgoing chief, David Barnea. President Isaac Herzog recalled Gofman's "courage of heart, his patriotism, and his profound dedication to the mission" after he was severely wounded in battle.

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Today, my struggle in the High Court of Justice against the appointment of Roman Gofman came to an end. Although the court chose not to intervene and to allow the appointment, I am at peace with the struggle and the many achievements it yielded.