Full Breakdown
Roman Gofman's Inauguration as Mossad Director Highlights Full-Circle Reunion with United Hatzalah Medics
6/7/2026, 12:12:45 AM
Inauguration and Leadership Transition
On 2 June 2026 Roman Gofman was sworn in as director of Mossad at a ceremony in the agency’s headquarters. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker, security officials and outgoing chief David Barnea attended. The Prime Minister’s Office also announced that deputy director “A.” was released after 22 years of service, noting his “significant contribution to the security of the State of Israel.”
From Battlefield to Intelligence: The Oct. 7 Rescue
During the Hamas-initiated attack on 7 October 2023, then-Brigadier General Roman Gofman, commander of the Tze’elim training base, was wounded near the Bror Hayil junction. United Hatzalah volunteers Moshe Weizman and Elishiv Mizrachi (also reported as Elyashiv Mizrahi) located the injured officer, loaded him into an ambulance and kept him conscious through verbal encouragement until he reached Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon.
Key Participants
- Roman Gofman – newly appointed Mossad director, former brigadier general.
- Moshe Weizman – United Hatzalah medic who first reached Gofman.
- Elishiv Mizrachi / Elyashiv Mizrahi – United Hatzalah medic who joined the evacuation.
- Benjamin Netanyahu – prime minister who nominated Gofman.
- David Barnea – outgoing Mossad chief.
Timeline of Key Events
- 7 Oct 2023 – Hamas assault; Gofman wounded and rescued by United Hatzalah.
- 2 Jun 2026 – Gofman’s inauguration; reunion with rescuers; deputy director A. dismissed.
Official Statements & Responses
The Prime Minister’s Office thanked the departing deputy director for “22 years of operational service and significant contribution to Israel’s security.” Gofman expressed gratitude to the two medics, calling the reunion “a full-circle moment” that links his personal survival to his new responsibility. In his address to Mossad personnel, he emphasized the agency’s continued focus on covert operations against the Iranian axis and pledged to “safeguard covert operations and develop capabilities to surprise and influence.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “During those moments in the ambulance, I had no idea that the man we were treating would one day lead one of the most sensitive and important organizations in the State of Israel,” — Moshe Weizman, United Hatzalah medic
- “Standing here today at Mossad headquarters and seeing him enter the role of head of the organization is a full-circle moment that words cannot describe.” — Elishiv Mizrachi, United Hatzalah medic
- “The eternity of Israel will not lie.” — Roman Gofman, Mossad director (Western Wall visit)
- “You are the quiet yet powerful voice of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. I enter this sacred place with humility, relying on your invaluable knowledge and experience.” — Roman Gofman, inauguration address
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the spelling of the second medic’s name, appearing as “Elishiv Mizrachi,” “Elyashiv Mizrahi,” or simply “Mizrahi.” Gofman’s rank at the time of injury is described as “Brigadier General” in some accounts and as “Maj. Gen.” in others. The identity of deputy director “A.” is not disclosed.
What’s Next
Gofman said Mossad will continue to prioritize covert actions against Iran’s regional network while expanding technological capabilities. He indicated that further strategic reviews will be presented to the government in the coming months.
