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In a rare and significant development, outgoing Mossad director David Barnea has publicly opposed the appointment of Major General Roman Gofman as his successor, citing grave ethical concerns over the “Almkayis incident”. The controversy has sparked a heated debate surrounding the selection process for the Mossad’s top post.
According to sources, the Mossad’s involvement in the 2022 incident revolved around the recruitment of 17-year-old Ori Elmakayes for an Arabic-language influence operation. Unfortunately, the minor was later detained by the Shin Bet and jailed for 18 months before charges were eventually dropped. The case exposed lapses in oversight and accountability, which has raised serious questions about the Mossad’s adherence to the rule of law.
In a letter submitted to the Supreme Court, Barnea alleged that Gofman’s involvement in the incident demonstrates a lack of integrity necessary for leading the Mossad. Given the agency’s unbridled executive discretion and limited external oversight, the outgoing director feels that Gofman is not fit for the role. Barnea noted that Gofman does not possess a background in special operations and intelligence, nor is he proficient in English. However, the outgoing director stressed that these secondary concerns pale in comparison to the integrity issue at the heart of the matter.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly reprimanded Barnea for sending the letter, accusing him of operating behind the prime minister’s back and exceeding his authority. The controversy marks a rare instance of public disagreement between Netanyahu and the outgoing Mossad director, with implications for the future leadership of the agency.
Critics argue that Netanyahu’s move could be an attempt to silence Barnea and deflect attention from the serious issues raised by the “Almkayis incident”. Others suggest that Barnea’s letter is a genuine expression of concern for the Mossad’s integrity, particularly in light of its unique mandate and limited external oversight.
As the Mossad’s selection process continues to unfold, Barnea’s bold move has raised questions about the leadership capabilities and ethical standards required for the top post. Given the agency’s critical role in Israel’s national security, the controversy is likely to have far-reaching implications for the country’s intelligence community and its relationships with international partners.