Advisory panel set to examine Netanyahu’s Mossad chief pick over past influence operation – report

The Senior Appointments Advisory Committee has decided to examine Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s nominee for Mossad chief, Roman Gofman, over his involvement in the use of a minor for an influence operation while serving in the IDF, Haaretz reports.

The committee, chaired by former president of the Supreme Court Asher Grunis, is reviewing Gofman’s conduct as part of the vetting process for his appointment as the next head of Mossad.

Gofman, currently serving as Netanyahu’s military secretary, reportedly appeared before the panel yesterday to address the affair. The committee has since decided to summon a senior Military Intelligence officer involved in probing the case, according to a report first published by Ynet.

Haaretz reported last year that while commanding the IDF’s 210th “Bashan” Regional Division in the Golan Heights, Gofman approved the use of a 17-year-old, Ori Elmakayes, for an Arab-language influence campaign against Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas, leading to the teen’s prolonged detention by security authorities. Charges against the youth were later dropped after it emerged he had been acting on behalf of the military.

Netanyahu announced earlier this month that he intends to appoint Gofman to replace outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea, whose five-year term is set to end in June. The nomination has drawn criticism from current and former security officials, who tell Haaretz that Gofman lacks the operational and intelligence background traditionally required to lead the security agency.