Legal Challenge to Roman Gofman's Appointment as Mossad Chief

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated IDF Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman, his military secretary, to replace Mossad director David Barnea. The Advisory Committee for Senior Appointments approved the five-year term, set to begin on 2 June. Petitions filed by the Movement for Quality Government and Ori Elmakayes ask High Court of Justice to cancel the appointment, citing alleged integrity flaws.

The Jerusalem Post

In 2022 Division 210, then commanded by Gofman, activated 17-year-old Ori Elmakayes in an unauthorized influence operation, directing him to post classified material online. Elmakayes was arrested in May 2022, held until July, and placed under electronic monitoring. Indictment was withdrawn in late 2023, but petitioners argue Gofman approved activation and concealed minor’s age, raising doubts about his integrity.

YnetNews

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said process was flawed, noting majority signed before Chairman Asher Grunis filed his dissent and before two members saw classified documents, calling it ‘extremely unreasonable.’ Netanyahu said security decisions belong solely to prime minister and his judgment is ‘dozens of times superior’ to court’s. Committee majority said it complied with standards; Grunis’s dissent warned of integrity breach.

The Jerusalem Post

Former Mossad chief David Barnea warned that approving the operation “is not moral… not values… not red lines,” arguing it disqualified Gofman. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir attacked Attorney General Baharav-Miara, claiming “in Tehran, they are applauding you.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the attorney-general’s stance “one step too far” and urged legislation to split the office’s powers.

i24NEWSThe Jerusalem Post

Gofman maintains he never handled Elmakayes and that only non-classified material was shared. Petitioners contend he approved the activation and concealed the minor’s age. The advisory committee’s majority signed its opinion before Grunis’s dissent and before two members reviewed classified files, and it did not summon Elmakayes or the senior intelligence officer identified as “Brig. P.” for testimony.

YnetNews

• “substantial flaws” were found in the advisory committee’s process and conclusions. — Gali Baharav-Miara, Attorney General

i24NEWS

• “The responsibility for the security of the state and its citizens is entrusted to the prime minister, and only to him,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister

YnetNews

• “I cannot imagine that someone under me would approve such an operation at all,” — David Barnea, Former Mossad Director

YnetNews

• “in Tehran, they are applauding you,” — Itamar Ben-Gvir, National Security Minister

The Jerusalem Post

The High Court will hear the petitions on Tuesday, with the possibility of halting Gofman’s appointment before the 2 June start date. Coalition leaders also plan to advance a bill to split the attorney-general’s prosecutorial and advisory powers.

i24NEWS