The head of Mossad dismisses his deputy director during a management reshuffle

The new director of the Mossad, Roman Gofman, has decided to dismiss the deputy director of the Israeli intelligence agency as part of a reshuffle of the leadership team following his recent appointment.

According to Israeli media, the official in question, identified only by the initial "A.," was informed on Friday that his term as deputy director would end. This decision was confirmed in a statement released by the Israeli Prime Minister's office on behalf of Mossad.

The agency indicated that Roman Gofman wished to appoint a new deputy director from within his own ranks to form the team that will support him in leading the organization over the next few years.

"This decision is part of the assumption of duties by the new director of Mossad, who is seeking to build the leadership team that will support him in achieving the organization's objectives and resolving its challenges," the statement said.

According to the Israeli media outlet Ynet, the ousted deputy director was considered the natural successor to former Mossad chief David Barnea. Barnea reportedly supported his candidacy to head the intelligence service.

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chose to appoint Roman Gofman, formerly the Prime Minister's military secretary, to head the Mossad.

According to information published by the Israeli press, David Barnea opposed this appointment and preferred to see his former deputy succeed him.

No replacement has yet been officially appointed to fill the position of deputy director. This change is nevertheless seen as one of the first signs of Roman Gofman's desire to leave his mark on the Israeli intelligence services by renewing their leadership team.