Outgoing Mossad chief David Barnea strongly opposed the appointment of Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman. He cited concerns over a 2023 incident in which Gofman bypassed standard IDF protocols by using a 17-year-old Israeli civilian as a human intelligence asset while commanding the 210th Division. Barnea reportedly said Gofman "has a significant problem with setting personal boundaries" and warned that "any supervisory note disqualifies promotion, certainly an appointment as head of the Mossad," describing his conduct as that of "someone who abuses his power." Despite Barnea's objections — backed by committee chair Asher Grunis and pending High Court petitions — Netanyahu pushed the appointment through, and Gofman is set to take over Mossad on June 2, 2026.