The Day Gofman was Appointed Mossad Chief

The day's news was dominated by two primary developments. In the morning, Prime Minister Netanyahu announced the appointment of Major General Roman Gofman, his military secretary, as the next Mossad chief, a decision met with both surprise and criticism within the intelligence community, as well as discussions about Gofman's past actions and suitability. Concurrently, the return and identification of the body of Sudthisak Rinthalak, a Thai agricultural worker murdered on October 7, was widely reported, shifting focus to Ran Guili as the last remaining captive. In the early afternoon, reports emerged of the death of Yasser Abu Shabib, a Gaza militia leader reportedly collaborating with Israel. Initial confusion over the cause of death was clarified by security sources, confirming he died from wounds sustained in an internal clan conflict, not a military action. Later in the afternoon, the Chief of Staff appointed Major General Numa to investigate the "Jericho Wall" plan. The evening also saw reports of Israel's participation in Eurovision 2026, despite withdrawals from several European nations, and a deepening dispute within the judicial system, with the Chief Justice criticizing Minister Levin.