Netanyahu Defends Mossad Pick, Citing Bigotry and Elitism Amidst Opposition

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has forcefully defended his choice for the next head of the Mossad, Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, directly confronting opposition that he claims stems from prejudice and elitism. In a strong video statement, Netanyahu emphasized that the authority to appoint the Mossad chief rests solely with the prime minister, asserting the agency's direct subordination to his office by law. This assertion comes amidst a High Court hearing concerning petitions against Gofman's nomination, which cite concerns over his conduct during a 2022 incident while serving as an IDF division commander.

“

Only the prime minister appoints the head of the Mossad. The Mossad and the Shin Bet are directly subordinate to the prime minister by law — not the attorney general, not the High Court and not the media.

Netanyahu lauded Gofman as a "heroic fighter" and a highly regarded operational commander, praising his "exceptional leadership," "out-of-the-box thinking," "courage, initiative, determination, and cunning," and, crucially, his "independent thinking and supreme responsibility for Israel’s security." The Prime Minister questioned the motives behind the attempts to disqualify Gofman, suggesting they might be rooted in Gofman not belonging to a perceived "clique," his Soviet Union origins, political considerations, or his current role as Netanyahu's military secretary.

“

He has courage, initiative, determination, and cunning. But above all, he has independent thinking and supreme responsibility for Israel’s security.

The Times of Israel's reporting highlights the deep divisions and political maneuvering surrounding this appointment. Reports indicate a heated exchange between Netanyahu and outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea over Barnea's letter to the attorney general opposing Gofman's nomination. Barnea had also reportedly testified against Gofman before the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee. The controversy centers on Gofman's approval of using a 17-year-old for an influence campaign in 2022, an action that has raised significant questions about his suitability for the top intelligence role. From an Israeli perspective, this internal struggle over leadership within the security apparatus reflects broader political tensions and debates about meritocracy versus established networks within the country's institutions.

“

Why are they trying to disqualify him? Because he’s not part of the clique? Because Roman immigrated from the Soviet Union? Because of political considerations? Because he is my military secretary?