IDF General Linked to Teen Psy-Op Appointed as Next Mossad Chief

Netanyahu's military secretary wins approval despite previous controversy over use of underage operative.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 11:10am

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and fragments in shades of blue, green, and orange, conceptually representing the controversy and uncertainty surrounding the appointment of a new Mossad chief.The controversial appointment of a military officer linked to a teen psy-op case raises concerns about the future direction of Israel's intelligence agency.NYC Today

Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary, Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman, has been appointed as the next director of the Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency. Gofman's nomination drew criticism due to his involvement in a 2022 information warfare operation that utilized a 17-year-old Jewish Israeli citizen, Ori Elmakayes, leading to concerns about his qualifications and conduct.

Why it matters

The appointment of Gofman, a close ally of Netanyahu, to lead the Mossad raises questions about the agency's future direction and the potential for further controversies, especially given the concerns raised about his handling of the Elmakayes case. The case highlights the ethical and legal issues surrounding the use of minors in military and intelligence operations.

The details

Gofman's nomination underwent a lengthy review by the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee, which ultimately approved his candidacy with a split vote. The committee's review focused on the case of Ori Elmakayes, a 17-year-old Jewish Israeli citizen who was involved in a 2022 information warfare operation run by an IDF unit under Gofman's command. Elmakayes was later detained for allegedly leaking classified material, but was released without charges after it emerged that the documents had been provided to him by a separate IDF unit.

  • In December 2025, Gofman's candidacy for the Mossad chief position was first proposed.
  • In April 2026, the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee gave its approval for Gofman's appointment, with three junior members outvoting the chairman, former Supreme Court president Asher Gruni, who opposed the decision.
  • Gofman is set to replace outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea, whose five-year term ends in late June 2026.

The players

Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman

A career officer in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and currently serving as Benjamin Netanyahu's military secretary. He has been appointed as the next director of the Mossad, Israel's foreign intelligence agency.

Ori Elmakayes

A 17-year-old Jewish Israeli citizen who was involved in a 2022 information warfare operation run by an IDF unit under Gofman's command. Elmakayes was later detained for allegedly leaking classified material but was released without charges.

Benjamin Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel, who announced Gofman's appointment as the next Mossad chief.

Asher Gruni

The former Supreme Court president who chaired the Senior Appointments Advisory Committee and opposed Gofman's nomination.

David Barnea

The outgoing Mossad chief, whose five-year term ends in late June 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Whoever abandoned a 17-year-old boy – will abandon Mossad agents too.”

— Ori Elmakayes

“Even if true, they pointed to failures in leadership.”

— Asher Gruni, Former Supreme Court president

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.