JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Roman Gofman has taken over as director of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, succeeding David Barnea and becoming the country’s 14th person to lead the agency.

Gofman, who previously served as military secretary to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressed Mossad personnel in remarks released Tuesday.

“I enter this holy place with humility, relying on your knowledge and experience that will not be wasted,” Gofman said.

He highlighted recent Israeli actions against Iran and its proxies.

“The strategic reversal that we have brought on the Iranian axis and the ‘plan to destroy Israel’ has changed the equation of power in the entire region,” Gofman said. “The Shi’ite axis, which has inscribed on its flag the destruction of our state — has been severely struck. But the work is not over. … The heart of the Mossad is in covert activity aimed at the target. We will guard it with all our might, we will continue to refine and develop capabilities to surprise and influence.”

Netanyahu has not yet named a successor for Gofman as military secretary to the prime minister, though an announcement is expected soon.