JERUSALEM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has appointed his military secretary, Roman Gofman, as the next head of the Mossad intelligence agency, the prime minister's office said Sunday.
The office said Netanyahu signed the appointment letter following approval by an advisory committee. Gofman is set to assume the role on June 2 for a five-year term, after current director David Barnea completes his tenure.
The appointment has drawn criticism, including from current and former Mossad officials who raised concerns over Gofman's lack of intelligence experience.
The advisory committee, which reviews senior government appointments in Israel, voted 3-1 in favor of the appointment, with its chairman, former Supreme Court president Asher Grunis, voting against.
"In light of the integrity-related shortcomings for which Maj. Gen. Gofman is responsible, it is not appropriate to appoint him to the position of head of the Mossad," Grunis wrote in an appendix to the decision. ■
