SpyTalk

SpyTalk

Mossad Falls Victim to Netanyahu’s Desperation

A scandal-riven former general will run Israel’s leading spy agency, obliterating a tradition of nonpartisan professionals in the job

Yossi Melman's avatar
Yossi Melman
Dec 09, 2025
∙ Paid
Netanyahu’s choice of Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman to run the Mossad is his latest desperate move to surround himself with loyalists over professionals in the security realm. (Times of Israel)

First it was Shin Bet.

And now the Mossad will soon have a new, partisan head—and that’s not good news for the already fragile and flawed Israeli democracy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to appoint Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, his military secretary, as the 14th head of the nation’s elite foreign espionage agency is a continuation of his politicization and takeover of the entire intelligence community. It is also an expression of no confidence in the Mossad’s 7,000 employees, among whom Netanyahu did not find anyone worthy of leading the organization.

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Jeff Stein.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Jeff Stein · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture