Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, currently the second on the Yashar party’s electoral list, expressed concerns that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might intentionally heighten security tensions as the October 27 elections approach. In a conversation with Liat Regev on Kan Reshet Bet radio’s Friday Midday program, Cohen highlighted the potential political motivations behind such escalations.
Concerns Over Political Maneuvering
Cohen voiced his apprehension that Netanyahu could manipulate security issues to boost his chances in the upcoming elections. The proximity of the election, combined with Netanyahu’s fluctuating poll numbers, could prompt him to orchestrate conflicts on various Israeli security fronts.
“I don’t want to assert bold claims, but a justification for escalating a security situation can easily be found. Regrettably, I cannot disregard the possibility,” he remarked. Cohen pointed out that Netanyahu’s previous decisions were often informed by hidden agendas, which he finds particularly concerning.
Stagnation and Lack of Strategy
The former intelligence chief also criticized what he termed as Israel’s “complete stagnation on all fronts,” particularly in Gaza. He referenced Yashar leader Gadi Eisenkot’s ambition to dismantle Hamas’s governance in the region within 18 months of assuming the prime minister’s office.
Cohen underscored the failure of the current government to execute a comprehensive plan, such as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s 20-point proposal for Gaza. He warned that without a concrete strategy for post-conflict recovery, “Israel will have no choice but to take active measures.”
“Hamas effectively governs the territory, gains financial support, grows in strength, and recruits members. We must address this before it escalates to a level seen prior to October 6,” Cohen cautioned.
Upcoming Elections and Opposition Dynamics
As the elections near, Cohen touched upon an earlier statement by Yisrael Beytenu leader Avigdor Liberman. Liberman indicated that his party would oppose any minority government arrangements, a sentiment Cohen found puzzling.
“We are striving to form a government of 61 Zionist lawmakers,” he remarked. He further emphasized, “If, heaven forbid, that proves impossible, we will forge a government with a clear Zionist majority.”
Cohen challenged Liberman’s outright refusal to consider supporting a minority government, arguing that such statements could weaken the opposition bloc’s ability to form an effective government. “I fail to see the rationale behind his assertion. I don’t believe it serves the interests of the bloc,” he concluded.
As the political landscape evolves and tensions in the region remain unsettling, Cohen’s warnings underscore the intersection of security and electoral politics in Israel, raising significant questions regarding the future direction of the country’s governance and policies.