Mossad Chief Roman Gofman has driven Israel’s national intelligence service into a state of internal turmoil, according to a report by N12 News published on Sunday. The report, which cited interviews with ten former senior members of the agency, alleges that Gofman has fundamentally altered the organization's leadership structure since taking office nearly six months ago. In response, the Mossad issued a strong statement to The Jerusalem Post, describing the N12 account as a biased article full of distortions and inaccuracies that artificially link unrelated events to manufacture a crisis.
The scope of the personnel changes is a central point of contention. While previous reports indicated that Gofman fired three top officials upon his arrival, the new N12 report claims that up to four senior intelligence officials have been dismissed. Additionally, two other high-ranking figures, including the agency’s comptroller and a division head, are reportedly set to resign within the month. The individuals identified as having been fired include the deputy Mossad director, the head of the Intelligence Division, the head of the Iran Division, and the head of the Operations Division. Sources described this rapid wave of departures as unprecedented in the agency's history.
Critics of Gofman’s approach argue that his lack of traditional intelligence background has contributed to the instability. One former senior official noted that Gofman did not rise through the ranks of the Shin Bet or the IDF intelligence corps. This outsider status, they argued, led him to replace experienced leaders who could have guided his transition. Another former official questioned the logic of such sweeping changes in an organization that had been performing exceptionally well, citing the successful pager and walkie-talkie operations as evidence of the agency's prior strength.
The Mossad maintains that the leadership changes are a natural part of a new director shaping the agency for upcoming challenges. The agency stated that Gofman aims to create an inner circle with diverse perspectives and that the outsiders he has brought in provide valuable insights and professional expertise. A Mossad source emphasized that these advisers have undergone all necessary security clearances and participate in discussions only within their specific areas of expertise, countering claims that the appointments are based on favoritism.
A significant portion of the internal unrest stems from the agency’s increased involvement in the logistics of voluntary Palestinian migration from Gaza. Gofman reportedly brought back a former operative to coordinate efforts to find countries willing to accept Gazans. This initiative has drawn sharp criticism within the division heads' forum, with some describing it as a political issue that the Mossad should not be leading. The agency, however, stated that its involvement began under the previous director and that the project is primarily coordinated by the National Security Council.
Operational strategy regarding Iran has also become a flashpoint. Former officials criticized Gofman’s earlier proposal to use Kurdish separatist groups to overthrow the Islamic regime, calling the idea delusional. Gofman now faces the challenge of calibrating between short-term kinetic attacks and long-term regime change plans, especially after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in early 2026. This context comes just as Gofman traveled to the United States to discuss the potential resumption of war with Iran, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent push for military action which US President Donald Trump has tentatively rejected in favor of diplomacy.
The debate also extends to Gofman’s operational philosophy, which some insiders describe as operating in gray areas that were previously considered taboo. One former official remarked that what Mossad personnel view as black, Gofman sees as light gray. In response to criticism about his unconventional style, the Mossad spokesperson highlighted that Gofman’s creative and offensive-minded approach is a positive attribute. The agency noted that he is pushing the Mossad into new areas, including 'blue-and-white' operations and alliances with additional countries, marking a distinct shift in the agency's strategic direction.
