Allied Intelligence — 2026-05-19

Affidavit Undercuts Legal Challenge to Incoming Mossad Chief Gofman, Paving Way for June Appointment

BLUFDespite the committee remand delaying a June transition, Gofman will likely take the Mossad's helm by late July, as the affidavit guts the false-testimony allegation underpinning any reversal.

A declassified affidavit from Brig. Gen. "G" states that when he questioned Gofman in May 2022, neither man knew Elmakayes's identity and the name never came up in the conversation 12. According to the filing, "G" asked only whether anyone in Gofman's division had transferred classified material to Telegram channels; Gofman denied it and stated the division's influence work relied solely on open-source material 2. The High Court on Monday ordered Attorney General Baharav-Miara to share the document with Netanyahu and Gofman; Netanyahu then asked the court to dismiss the petitions, citing "no blemish" in Gofman's conduct 13. In an interim ruling on Tuesday, the court found the advisory committee's examination "lacking" and directed it to hear directly from Elmakayes and "G" and submit updated findings by May 26 4.

Analysis
Corroborated across Jerusalem Post, Times of Israel, and Yeshiva World, the affidavit removes the evidentiary foundation for any blocking reversal, and the High Court's parallel rejection of Shin Bet petitions provides direct precedent. The court's finding that the committee's examination was lacking bounds procedural risk to the May 26 hearing, the ruling that pushed the timeline past June 2. Testimony from Elmakayes and "G" could still produce a record that materially alters what Gofman knew, sustaining the petitions. Gofman is likely to lead the Mossad by July 31, 2026, requiring intelligence partners to plan for a liaison transition extending into July rather than a clean handover under Barnea this month.

4 sources

Gofman likely to helm Mossad after affidavit appears to undercut claims against him - Times of Israel
Declassified affidavit says Gofman denied approving intel. material transfer to Telegram channels - The Jerusalem Post
Major Blow to Attorney General: Contents of Secret Affidavit in Mossad Appointment Battle Revealed - The Yeshiva World
Mossad appointment controversy: Court orders advisory c'tee reconvene, missed critical information - The Jerusalem Post