JERUSALEM, April 12 (Reuters) - Israel approved the appointment of Roman Gofman as the new Mossad intelligence agency head, a statement from the Israeli prime minister's office said on Sunday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his intention to nominate Gofman in December 2025 and a committee for senior appointments approved the decision on Sunday. Gofman will start his role in June 2026, replacing the agency's current director David Barnea.

Gofman, 49, is a seasoned military general who rushed to Israel's southern border to rescue Israeli communities under fire from a Hamas-led infiltration on October 7, 2023. The incoming director currently serves as the prime minister's military secretary.

(Reporting by Emily Rose; Editing by Chris Reese)