Widespread Interaction with Video Showing New Mossad Chief Fleeing Clash with Resistance Fighters on October 7

A video has widely circulated showing the moments when Israeli officer Roman Goffman, recently appointed head of the Mossad, fled a battlefield with Palestinian resistance fighters during Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023.

The video shows Goffman exchanging fire during clashes near the Sderot settlement, before being forced to flee the site under a hail of bullets.

According to Israeli media sources, Goffman was injured during these confrontations and was transferred to Barzilai Medical Center in Ashkelon for treatment. He was then the commander of the Tze'elim base with the rank of Brigadier General, before later becoming the military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Goffman's name returned to the forefront after Netanyahu announced his appointment as head of the foreign intelligence service (Mossad), succeeding David Barnea, whose term will end in June 2026.

Netanyahu's office confirmed in the appointment statement that Goffman was "seriously injured" during his clash with fighters from the Hamas movement in the vicinity of Gaza on October 7, 2023.

The video sparked widespread reactions, with activists describing it as "exciting footage" and "historic" because it shows the escape of someone who today leads the most important Israeli security agency in front of a fighter from the Al-Qassam Brigades.

The circulating accounts state that the fighters did not notice Goffman's presence at first, but as soon as they discovered his location, they initiated firing at him, which led to him being injured in his foot and withdrawing from the place. These accounts suggested that the fighters did not realize that he was a senior officer who had reached the field point himself.

Others described the scenes as reflecting the inability of the Israeli forces to confront the fighters in an open field, considering that the soldiers and officers "resort to fleeing when they face the fighters face to face", while they use force against civilians.

Activists believe that the re-dissemination of the video at this time carries important connotations, especially days after Goffman's appointment as head of the Mossad, considering that the clip "embarrasses the Israeli leadership" because it shows a sensitive field moment for an officer who today holds a high sovereign position.

Some pointed out that the circulation of the footage coincides with an internal discussion in Israel about the army's performance during the first hours of the October 7 attack, and the confusion and chaos that accompanied it in the ranks of the military units.

Others pointed out that the scenes provide a "visual narrative" of the chaos that the Gaza envelope witnessed at the beginning of the attack, especially since Israeli sources admitted that Goffman was among the highest-ranking officers who were injured on that day.

In contrast, tweeters praised the performance of the Al-Qassam Brigades fighters in the video, especially the fighter who appeared steadfast in his position and pointing his weapon in preparation for a new clash, while Goffman continues to withdraw for a long distance. These considered that the fighter's steadfastness reflects "high discipline and readiness" in facing a senior officer.

Activists pointed out that the fighter's failure to pursue Goffman may be related to operational plans that require the fighters to adhere to the points of engagement and not chase individuals away from the path of progress, considering that the scene documents a "turning point" in the battle of October 7, where a senior officer appears withdrawing under pressure in exchange for a single fighter who maintains his position and continues fighting.