Full Breakdown
High Court Orders Transfer of Classified Affidavit Amid Mossad Chief Appointment Dispute
5/19/2026, 12:04:38 PM
Core Event
On Monday the High Court of Justice ordered that a top-secret affidavit from Brigadier General G—former head of the IDF Intelligence Directorate Division now senior Mossad official—be transferred without delay to the government and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The document is central to petitions contesting Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman’s appointment as Mossad chief, with a June 2 ceremony already scheduled.
Background
The petitions arise from the Ori Elmakayes affair, where the teen was allegedly used in an IDF-linked influence operation while Gofman commanded the 210th Division. A May 2022 inquiry revived the case. Outgoing Mossad director David Barnea opposed Gofman’s nomination, preferring his deputy A.
Key Figures
Roman Gofman, Brig. Gen. G, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, outgoing chief David Barnea, Justices Dafna Barak-Erez, Ofer Grosskopf, Alex Stein, lawyer Ohad Shalem, attorney Harel Arnon.
Timeline
May 2022 inquiry; April 15, 2026 meeting on G’s tenure; May 12, 2026 hearing; May 2026 court order; June 2 inauguration.
Impact
The appointment proceeds amid war, sparking doubts about Gofman’s operational competence and English fluency. Barnea warned senior Mossad officers might resign if the selection is seen as loyalty-driven rather than merit-based.
Official Statements & Responses
Attorney General Baharav-Miara requested the court lift the affidavit’s classification for broader review. Netanyahu condemned the attorney general’s actions as procedural audacity and expressed disbelief at the documents. Barnea’s strongly worded opposition letter was submitted with the petitions. Government lawyer Arnon argued the prime minister can view any classified material.
Criticism & Opposition
Barnea argued Gofman lacks intelligence-agency experience, English fluency, and the time needed to learn during an active war. A Mossad official warned there’s no way to train him now. Critics also cite his alleged involvement in the Elmakayes operation.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree: some say the affidavit fully supports Gofman, others claim it raises doubts about his truthfulness. Its top-secret status blocks verification, and reports differ on Gofman’s contact with Brig. Gen. G.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He has not held any position that gives him the experience and depth needed to run a body like the Mossad,” — Unnamed Mossad official
- “We are not in the period between wars, but in the middle of a war, and there is no way to give him time to learn.” — Unnamed Mossad official
- “read it and you won’t believe it” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
- “The freedom the attorney general is taking for herself is incomprehensible and scandalous,” — Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister
What’s Next
The High Court will decide whether to lift the affidavit’s classification and how to proceed with the petitions. Gofman’s inauguration remains set for June 2, though further legal challenges could delay his assumption of command.
