Overview
- The advisory panel approved the pick Sunday, and Netanyahu signed a five-year appointment that starts June 2, 2026.
- Panel chair Asher Grunis, a retired Supreme Court president, filed formal reservations, and Israeli reports say his dissent could draw petitions to the Supreme Court.
- Israeli media reported that outgoing Mossad director David Barnea opposed the choice in vetting talks, citing a past disciplinary note over a case where a 17-year-old was used as an intelligence source outside approved army procedures.
- IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir backed Gofman as an excellent officer and said he did not view the incident as serious.
- Former security officials criticized Gofman’s lack of intelligence leadership experience and warned the move could trigger resignations and tighter political control over the agency.