David Barnea

Gofman takes Mossad by storm, as spy org. ramps up plans to topple Islamic regime

New Mossad Director Roman Gofman, the first outsider to lead the spy agency since 2011, is exploring new methods to topple Iran's Islamic regime.

Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds first working meeting with the Director of the Mossad Roman Gofman at the Mossad headquarters.

Netanyahu holds first working meeting with new Mossad chief Gofman

ONE OF the Mossad’s notable failures is the botched assassination attempt of then-Hamas leader Khaled Mashal in 1997. The organization’s incoming chief, Roman Gofman, will need to both examine and reform the Mossad’s inner workings.

Middle Israel: Roman Gofman's Mossad successes will be measured by Barnea's failures - opinion

President Isaac Herzog hosts the President's Decoration Award Ceremony at the president house in Jerusalem. October 22, 2025.

Herzog awards Mossad, IAI, IAF prize for capability-expanding classified system - exclusive


Mossad agent killed abroad significantly influenced Iran war, Barnea reveals

Barnea did not specify who M. was, when they fell, or which incident it was. He did not say where M. fell, only noting that it was outside of Israel's borders.

Mossad head David Barnea speaks on Israel's Rememberance Day on April 21, 2026.

High Court petition seeks to block Gofman’s Mossad appointment over Elmakayes affair

The petition was filed after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved Gofman’s appointment, after he cleared the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee, and ahead of his scheduled June 2 entry.

Incoming Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.

Mossad chief Barnea: Iran mission incomplete until it results in regime change

This was the first time that the Mossad chief publicly addressed his role and views about regime change in Iran.

Head of Mossad David Barnea attends a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. April 23, 2025.

Roman Gofman’s Mossad chief appointment signals a paradigm shift - analysis

Every new Mossad chief changes things, closes old departments, opens new ones, and promotes some mid-level commanders to replace portions of the Mossad high command.

Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.

Netanyahu backs Gofman as new Mossad chief, praises military record

Netanyahu praised Roman Gofman as bold and creative after appointing him Mossad chief, expressing confidence he will strengthen Israel’s security.

Incoming Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.

Roman Gofman approved as new Mossad director, PMO confirms

Gofman, an IDF Major-General, is currently serving as the prime minister's military secretary. He will replace incumbent Mossad Director David Barnea on June 2.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and incoming Mossad chief Roman Gofman ordering the strikes on Iranian officials, March 16, 2026.

'Toppling a regime is an art, not a science,' security sources say on Iran - exclusive

Security sources reveal how David Barnea's 2021 AI revolution at the Mossad could eventually 'open the gates' - helping Iranian people take to the streets.

Fires are lit as protesters rally on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

Iran regime change likely to take a year, Mossad chief Barnea predicted on eve of war

There were multiple scenarios and time periods, such as several months, but one year was the most likely estimate.

Head of Mossad David Barnea attends a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. April 23, 2025.

What's behind politicians blaming Mossad for not fulfilling their fantasies in Iran? - exclusive

Reports criticizing Mossad chief David Barnea over Iran may overlook his nuanced assessments and the limits of military force in achieving regime change.

Mossad chief David Barnea attends a ceremony held at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum in Jerusalem, as Israel marks the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day. May 5, 2024.

US, Israel's final decision to go to war with Iran came later than reported - exclusive

The Post understands that much of the current conventional narrative is revisionist history to try to simplify what was an extraordinarily period of uncertainty and a complex series of ups and downs.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 11, 2026.