Jerusalem: Israel’s Supreme Court approved the appointment of Maj. Gen. Roman Gofman as the next head of the Mossad intelligence agency, Hebrew media reported on Monday. The court’s decision came after rejecting two petitions challenging Gofman’s appointment with a majority decision by Justices Ofer Grosskopf and Alex Stein. However, Justice Daphne Barak-Erez dissented, emphasizing the need for further examination regarding unresolved issues.

According to Anadolu Agency, the petitions were linked to allegations concerning Gofman’s conduct in the so-called Ori Elmakayes affair. In his majority opinion, Justice Grosskopf noted that the evidence presented, including classified material, did not indicate any ethical misconduct that would disqualify Gofman from serving as Mossad chief. He stated that the existing evidence does not place an ethical stain on Maj. Gen. Gofman’s career.

The ruling arrived a day before Gofman’s planned transition ceremony. Gofman is set to assume the post on Tuesday, succeeding outgoing Mossad Director David Barnea, who has led Israel’s foreign intelligence agency since 2021.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nominated Gofman for the position despite objections from Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and former Supreme Court President Asher Grunis, who chairs the committee responsible for reviewing senior appointments, as reported by Maariv.

The Mossad serves as Israel’s primary foreign intelligence agency, playing a central role in intelligence gathering, covert operations, and national security policy.