Israel Attorney General Challenges Mossad Chief Appointment

Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara told the High Court of Justice on Sunday that the appointment of Maj.-Gen. Roman Gofman as the head of the Mossad must be canceled.

Baharav-Miara argued that the nomination process, initiated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was marred by “substantive flaws.” According to the Attorney General, the Advisory Committee for Senior Appointments relied on an “incomplete picture” when it accepted Gofman’s explanations regarding his past conduct.

As part of the legal proceedings, Baharav-Miara disclosed the receipt of a confidential letter from the outgoing Mossad chief, David Barnea. The Attorney General stated that the letter, which is intended for submission to the court, is a substantive document that outlines the unique nature of the intelligence agency. She noted that the contents of the letter are relevant to the committee’s assessment of ethical standards, and integrity.

The move to revoke the appointment has triggered a sharp response from government ministers. Bezalel Smotrich criticized the Attorney General, stating, “You corrupt people have become intolerable.”

The dispute occurs as Prime Minister Netanyahu maintains that Israel’s security remains “in his hands,” though the administration has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding the failures of October 7.

The High Court of Justice is now reviewing the Attorney General’s request to strike down the appointment based on the provided evidence of procedural and ethical deficiencies.