"Netanyahu's advisors in the holy of holies": anger in the Mossad over Goffman's conduct - and the new appointment

Sources in the Mossad sharply criticized the head of the organization, Roman Goffman, over his intention to appoint an external high-tech figure as head of the Strategy Division, a sensitive post equivalent to a major general in the IDF. Criticism was also leveled at bringing external advisors, some of them identified with Prime Minister Netanyahu, into the forum of division heads, known as the organization's "holy of holies." The sources said this caused shock and fear among division heads about voicing criticism.

Sources familiar with the Mossad's work sharply criticized the head of the organization, Roman Goffman, over his intention to appoint an external high-tech figure, who has served as his external advisor for several months, as head of the Strategy Division. The post is especially sensitive and equivalent to the rank of major general in the IDF. The sources said the appointment aroused great anger in the organization, but what angered them no less was that Goffman brought external advisors, some of whom work with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, into the forum of division heads (Rash"a), known as the Mossad's "holy of holies." According to the sources, bringing in the advisors caused shock among the division heads, and people are afraid to speak and voice criticism. The sources added that the very act of bringing them in was perceived as an expression of no confidence, and that it "castrated" the forum. They criticized Goffman and said he does not like to hear criticism and prefers "yes men." According to a report by Haaretz, the appointment has not yet been completed but received approval from the organization's legal advisor. In addition, appointments in the Shin Bet were reported just before the elections, and the attorney general will examine their necessity.