Likud MK Calls for Imprisonment of Top Security Chiefs Over October 7 Failures

Member of Knesset Almog Cohen of the Likud party has launched a scathing attack on Israel's top security officials, accusing them of treason for their alleged failures leading up to the October 7 Hamas attacks. In a recent interview, Cohen asserted that the actions and inactions of the security echelon on the eve of the attack constituted treason, citing intelligence "sims," "launch pits," and a "tunnel of escape" for Hamas leader Sinwar, as well as intelligence from Gaza indicating Hamas presence in mosques that went unheeded.

Cohen specifically called for the imprisonment of IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and former Military Intelligence head Aharon Haliva. He stated that these three individuals "should be in jail and should not be walking around here like peacocks while we are still licking our wounds." Cohen further argued that they do not deserve to be investigated by a state commission of inquiry but rather should "sit in jail until their last day."

Beyond security matters, Cohen also commented on recent political shifts, including Tali Gottlieb's move to the Otzma Yehudit party, emphasizing the importance of the Likud party's strength under Prime Minister Netanyahu for maintaining right-wing rule. He also reacted to Gilad Erdan's announcement regarding the withdrawal of the "HaAchdut" party from the Knesset race, interpreting Erdan's move as a sign of patriotism and prioritizing the victory of the right-wing bloc.

Cohen also addressed retired Major General Ofir Winter, who is running independently, urging him to either join an existing party or withdraw from politics, stating, "In politics, you cannot teach anyone, I'm sorry."

Looking ahead, Cohen expressed his ambition to take on a significant role after the elections that would impact residents of the Negev and Galilee, alongside promoting legislation for mandatory minimum sentencing.