Roman Gofman, PM’s embattled pick to lead Mossad, says he’ll go ‘all the way’ to get job — report

Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military secretary and pick to be the next head of the Mossad intelligence agency, has told associates that he intends to get the job despite opposition from the attorney general and, reportedly, the current leader of the Mossad.

“I plan on going all the way,” he said in meetings, according to Channel 12. “I believe the appointment will pass the High Court.”

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara on Sunday told the High Court of Justice that she opposed Gofman’s appointment, and urged it to be canceled as it “suffers from extreme and glaring unreasonableness” due to Gofman’s role in using a minor for a so-called influence operation. As a result of Gofman’s alleged actions, the teen was detained and interrogated by the Shin Bet domestic security agency, held in isolation for two months, charged with espionage offenses, and jailed for 18 months before the charges were dropped.

Current Mossad chief David Barnea also reportedly opposes the appointment. Netanyahu has spoken out in his defense in the face of the criticism.

According to Channel 12, Gofman is building a team and choosing top aides, with the expectation that he will take over the agency. He has also carried out a series of meetings with top officials in the Mossad.

Netanyahu has also been meeting with senior IDF officers as he searches for a potential replacements for Gofman as military secretary.