New Mossad chief Roman Gofman dismisses agency’s deputy director as he ‘shapes new leadership’

New Mossad Director Roman Gofman dismisses the agency’s deputy director “Aleph,” as he “seeks to shape the senior leadership team that will accompany him in meeting the goals and challenges facing the organization in the coming years,” according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on behalf of the Mossad.

Gofman entered his role on Tuesday, marking an end to the lengthy legal challenges he faced since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his nomination in December 2025. In his previous role, he served as Netanyahu’s military secretary.

According to the statement, during his 22 years of service, Aleph was at the forefront of the organization’s operational activity in three operational divisions, commanded two of them, and led a series of groundbreaking operations. For his achievements, he was awarded five Israel Security Prizes.

Gofman thanks Aleph for his service, and Aleph wishes Gofman success in his role, the statement says.

Aleph was known in the Mossad as a “Bibist” — a supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu — but also was the preferred candidate of Gofman’s predecessor, David Barnea, to take over the post, a source with knowledge of the details tells Channel 12 news and Axios reporter Barak Ravid.

Gofman ousted Aleph in order to put an end to the “saga,” the source says.