David Barnea

Roman Gofman’s Mossad chief appointment signals a paradigm shift - analysis

Every new Mossad chief changes things, closes old departments, opens new ones, and promotes some mid-level commanders to replace portions of the Mossad high command.

Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.
Incoming Mossad Director Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman attends a ceremony marking the lighting of the first Hanukkah candle of the 7th Armored Brigade at the National Library in Jerusalem, on December 14, 2025.

Netanyahu backs Gofman as new Mossad chief, praises military record

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and incoming Mossad chief Roman Gofman ordering the strikes on Iranian officials, March 16, 2026.

Roman Gofman approved as new Mossad director, PMO confirms

Fires are lit as protesters rally on January 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.

'Toppling a regime is an art, not a science,' security sources say on Iran - exclusive


Mossad head will fly to Qatar, Shin Bet chief to Egypt, PMO confirms

It should be noted that it was already indicated earlier that Hamas would reject the US proposed plan, which included concessions from Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with outgoing Mossad chief Yossi Cohen and incoming Mossad chief David Barnea at a farewell event for Cohen, May 31, 2021. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with outgoing Mossad chief Yossi Cohen and incoming Mossad chief David Barnea at a farewell event for Cohen,

Netanyahu rejected Gaza deal outline before meeting hostage families - report

As families worry about the fate of their loved ones, N12 reported that Netanyahu was presented with a framework for a deal but rejected it.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Minister without Portfolio Benny Gantz hold a news conference in Tel Aviv, in November.

Israel accepts US hostage deal compromise, awaits Hamas response

There were major disagreements in the Israeli delegation about the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released, and no major breakthrough has happened in the talks since.

 Demonstrators protest calling for the release of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv, March 23, 2024

Hostage deal gaps narrow as Israel and US join talks in Qatar

Mossad Chief David Barnea to meet CIA Director William Burns in Qatar. Blinken says gaps between Hamas and Israel narrowing in hostage talks.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Mossad direct David Barnea on May 12, 2023

Mossad chief-led delegation leaves for extended Hamas hostage negotiations

The official explained that this is the first time since the current round of negotiations started that the negotiating team has more specific positions and discretion to finalize a variety of items.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seen with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Mossad direct David Barnea on May 12, 2023

Mossad chief expected to resume Gaza ceasefire talks in Doha on Sunday

The talks between Israel, Qatar, and Egypt will reportedly focus on remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas, including over prisoner releases and humanitarian aid.

 Mossad Director David Barnea speaks during a Conference of the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), in Tel Aviv, on September 10, 2023.

Mossad: Hamas wants to ignite region on Ramadan more than it wants a hostage deal

The Mossad charged that Hamas is seeking to escalate tensions ahead of Ramadan at the expense of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

 YAHYA SINWAR, leader of Hamas in Gaza, attends a rally in Gaza City marking the terror organization's 35th anniversary last December. Sinwar has once again aimed the arrow at Israel's Achilles' heel, argues the writer.

Israel to send delegation to Qatar amid optimism about hostage deal

Israel has insisted that any deal must allow for the IDF to complete its military campaign against Hamas.

 Gaza hostage families protest on Ayalon highway on January 18, 2024

What is Mossad chief David Barnea’s role in hostage negotiations? - analysis

Part of what has made Barnea crucial is the high respect accorded to him by all of the key players.

 Head of Mossad David Barnea attends the state ceremony marking 50 years since the Yom Kippur War, held at the military cemetery at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl, on September 26, 2023

Gantz and Gallant attack Netanyahu: 'You bypassed the defense establishment'

Gantz made the statements amid complaints that Netanyahu was making decisions concerning efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal with Hamas on his own without consulting the War Cabinet

Likud leader Benjamin Netanyahu and Blue and White leader Benny Gantz