Reshaping the Mossad: Inside Roman Gofman’s world of spies, Iran, and high-stakes strategy

Roman Gofman assumed leadership of the Mossad on June 2, facing immediate challenges including a lawsuit against his appointment and the need to redefine the agency's strategy. Gofman's primary focus will be the multi-faceted conflict with Iran, balancing short-term kinetic operations with long-term regime change plans, and potentially expanding efforts against Iran's ballistic missile program. He recently dismissed several high-ranking officials, including the deputy chief and heads of analysis and the Iran desk, believing their previous regime change strategies were outdated. Gofman aims to implement a more aggressive, accelerated approach, combining elements of the "death by a thousand cuts" strategy with more immediate actions, recognizing Iran's increased vulnerability but also its readiness to strike Israel directly. He also plans to continue and potentially expand the Mossad's social media influence campaigns. Gofman, the first immigrant head of the Mossad in decades, is described as resourceful and determined, willing to take risks to achieve results, and committed to the Mossad's mission regardless of political leadership.