Story perspectives

Roman Gofman Sworn In as Mossad Chief, Vows Iran Crackdown

6/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

Roman Gofman was sworn in as Mossad director in Jerusalem on June 2 2026 after High Court approved his appointment.
The High Court rejected petitions alleging Gofman’s 2022 ethical violations and faced opposition from outgoing chief David Barnea and reports of Mossad resignations.
He said military actions shifted the regional balance, pledged to target Iran’s network, and noted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named preventing Iran’s nuclear weapons top strategic priority for Gofman.

History

Historical Context

Israel’s 1976 purchase of a French-built reactor for Iraq spurred Iranian reconnaissance in late 1980 and led Israel to launch eight F-16s against the Osirak site on 7 June 1981, establishing the Begin Doctrine that any future nuclear threat could be struck pre-emptively. Today Mossad director Roman Gofman, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cites that precedent while warning of a similar raid on Iran’s nuclear network.

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Story summary

Roman Gofman was sworn in as Mossad director in Jerusalem on June 2 2026 after High Court approved his appointment.
The High Court rejected petitions alleging Gofman’s 2022 ethical violations and faced opposition from outgoing chief David Barnea and reports of Mossad resignations.
He said military actions shifted the regional balance, pledged to target Iran’s network, and noted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named preventing Iran’s nuclear weapons top strategic priority for Gofman.

1 / 2