Mossad’s New Chief Removes Highly Experienced Deputy Director Just Days After Taking Office

Roman Gofman, the newly appointed director of Mossad, dismissed the agency’s deputy director, known as “Aleph,” on June 7, 2026. Gofman, who began his term on June 3, 2026, stated the move is intended to shape a senior leadership team capable of meeting the organization’s future goals and challenges.

The dismissal occurred just four days after Gofman assumed leadership of Israel’s national intelligence agency. According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office on behalf of Mossad, the termination of Aleph’s employment is part of a broader effort by Gofman to establish his own management structure.

Why did Roman Gofman dismiss the Mossad deputy director?

Roman Gofman initiated the dismissal to ensure he has a leadership team aligned with his specific vision for the agency’s future. In the official statement, Gofman noted that 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.

The move follows a period of transition and legal scrutiny surrounding Gofman’s appointment. He faced lengthy legal challenges after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu first announced his nomination in December 2025. A source with knowledge of the details told Channel 12 news that Gofman ousted Aleph to put an end to the saga surrounding the agency’s leadership.

Who is the dismissed deputy director “Aleph”?

The deputy director, identified only as “Aleph,” was a highly experienced operative with 22 years of service to the organization. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Aleph served at the forefront of Mossad’s operational activity across three different divisions and commanded two of them.

During his career, Aleph led a series of groundbreaking operations. For these achievements, he was awarded five Israel Security Prizes. Despite his professional record, Aleph’s position within the agency was complex.

Channel 12 news reported that Aleph was known within Mossad as a Bibist, a term referring to a supporter of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. However, Aleph had also been the preferred candidate to take over the director’s post according to Gofman’s predecessor, David Barnea.

What is Roman Gofman’s background and mandate?

Roman Gofman previously served as the military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. His appointment as the head of Mossad was approved by the Israeli high court following the legal challenges that delayed his start date.

Upon Gofman’s swearing-in, Prime Minister Netanyahu provided explicit strategic directives for the new director. The Times of Israel reported that Netanyahu told Gofman to help bring down the Iranian regime.

Gofman’s early days in office have combined these strategic mandates with symbolic actions. Israel National News reported that the new chief placed a note in the Western Wall shortly after taking his post.

The dismissal of a veteran deputy director with five Israel Security Prizes suggests a significant shift in the internal hierarchy of the agency. While Aleph was a supporter of the Prime Minister, the decision to remove him indicates that Gofman’s priority is the consolidation of personal authority over the existing leadership preferences of the previous administration.

The Prime Minister’s Office indicated that Gofman thanked Aleph for his service, and Aleph wished Gofman success in his new role.