Mossad deputy said ousted by Gofman over failed Iran regime change efforts; agency sources deny claim

from Times of Israel

Newly inaugurated Mossad chief Roman Gofman’s dismissal of the agency’s deputy director last night resulted from the senior official’s central role in efforts to help bring about the downfall of the Iranian regime, after those efforts apparently failed to achieve their goal, as the regime remains intact, according to Hebrew media reports citing Israeli officials.

Sources inside the Mossad, however, tell Channel 12 that Gofman’s decision to dismiss his deputy, referred to only as “Aleph,” was driven not by dissatisfaction over his handling of the Iran file, but by the new Mossad chief’s desire to consolidate loyalty at the top of the organization.

“Aleph was [Gofman’s predecessor David] Barnea’s closest associate and was identified too closely with him,” the sources tell Channel 12, saying, “Gofman wanted to signal through his dismissal that he would not tolerate people working against him. His goal was to remove potential obstacles.” 

Aleph served over the past year as deputy to Barnea and is widely regarded as one of the Mossad’s most respected figures. He has received the Israel Security Prize five times, according to the Channel 12 report, which adds that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself asked Aleph to remain in his post after announcing Gofman’s appointment, even though Aleph had already informed officials of his intention to step down as deputy director.

The Mossad and Gofman’s office declined Channel 12’s request for comment on the report.