From the Liveblog of
Monday, December 8, 2025
Oct. 7 footage shows designated Mossad chief in firefight with Hamas terrorists, without protective gear
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
Footage from the October 7, 2023, onslaught, shows designated Mossad director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman exchanging fire with Hamas terrorists and getting wounded near the Gaza border.
Gofman, at the time a brigadier general and the head of the Tzeelim training facility in southern Israel, rushed to his base from his home in Ashdod following the first reports of rocket fire.
Traffic camera footage shows Gofman arriving at the Sha’ar Hanegev Junction, where dozens of Hamas terrorists had taken up positions and were firing on passing cars.
The senior officer, armed with just an assault rifle and no protective gear, is seen exchanging fire with the Hamas terrorists. After coming under fire from multiple terrorists, Gofman is seen retreating, during which he was shot in the leg.
He then joined up with a group of police officers nearby, who treated him, before he was taken to a hospital in serious condition.
Gofman was the most senior IDF officer wounded during the October 7 onslaught. After recovering, he was appointed as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military secretary, and last week the premier announced he would be the next Mossad director.
The Times of Israel Community.