Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, the Mossad, is experiencing a major upheaval following a decision by its new director, Roman Gofman, to dismiss his deputy, known publicly only by the initial “A.”
The outgoing Mossad chief, David Barnea, had reportedly viewed “A” as his preferred successor.
According to sources close to Gofman, the move was carefully planned and coordinated with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The sources said the purpose was to deliver a “preemptive blow” to “A,” who was allegedly planning to organize an internal bloc against the new director that could hinder his work and undermine his chances of success.
Agency officials have sought to reassure personnel that Gofman intends to appoint a new deputy from within the Mossad. That assurance, however, has done little to appease senior officials, many of whom have reportedly expressed their intention to resign, arguing that the degree of political interference in the agency’s management is unprecedented.
“A” was considered one of Barnea’s closest associates, and Barnea reportedly regarded him as the natural heir to the top post. The dismissed official played a central role in Mossad efforts aimed at bringing down Iran’s regime, an effort that has so far failed to achieve its objectives and, according to people close to Barnea, requires continued leadership and commitment.
Barnea described the dismissal as “an irresponsible act,” warning that it could disrupt the functioning of the Mossad, particularly with respect to operations concerning Iran.
During his career at the agency, “A” has held several high-profile positions. Among them, he oversaw a special project related to the case of missing Israeli airman Ron Arad. He has also headed and significantly expanded the Mossad’s “Influence” Division as part of preparations for the possibility that the agency might become involved in efforts to destabilize the Iranian regime.
In addition, “A” has led the Iranian portfolio within the Mossad and supervised planning for operations against Iran during two rounds of warfare, including efforts aimed at weakening the regime there, according to the Israeli news outlet Ynet. He reportedly received four decorations for daring operations carried out in Iran and several other countries in the region.
Criticism of Gofman has emerged from within the agency, particularly over the speed with which he removed his deputy. Because Gofman assumed leadership from outside the Mossad and lacks a background in intelligence work, critics argue that he should have retained “A” during a transition period in order to benefit from his experience and institutional knowledge.
According to informed sources within the agency, Gofman used his authority in a manner reminiscent of Netanyahu, seeking to establish control over the Mossad before anyone could limit his influence.
Israeli journalist and analyst Ronen Bergman said Mossad employees learned of the dismissal through an internal email on Friday morning. He expressed surprise that such a blow would be directed at “A,” who had generally been regarded as close to Netanyahu.
Bergman added that the decision came after assessments suggesting that “A” had a strong chance of becoming Mossad chief if Israel’s Supreme Court overturned Gofman’s appointment.
Once the court approved Gofman’s appointment, however, there appeared to be little reason to open additional internal battles within the agency while Israel remained engaged in conflict with Iran and confronted significant strategic challenges.
Meanwhile, American reports alleging an expansion of Israeli espionage activities targeting senior US officials have raised further questions about whether the agency’s internal crisis is also tied to a broader struggle over management of the Iran portfolio and the sensitive relationship between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump’s administration.
The allegations that Israel spied on American officials involved in negotiations with Iran have generated significant concern in Tel Aviv. Israeli security agencies, together with former minister Ron Dermer, Netanyahu’s representative in relations with Washington, have reportedly launched intensive efforts to contain the political and intelligence fallout.
Israel’s immediate objective is to persuade Trump that the surveillance was not directed against him personally and that it began during the administration of former President Joe Biden.
Israeli sources claim that Biden’s administration withheld information and worked against Netanyahu’s government. They argue that any continuation of such activities under Trump resulted from “unintentional negligence” rather than an official policy decision.
The key question in both Tel Aviv and Washington is whether Trump will accept that explanation and move forward—as often occurs between allies—or view the episode as an act of disrespect and ingratitude, particularly given his support for Israel and Netanyahu on issues involving Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza.
