Ex-Shin Bet Chief Yoram Cohen Criticizes Unauthorized West Bank Outposts

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen stated on Friday that he opposes any West Bank settlements or outposts not built under a legal government decision. "What is built by a legal government decision, I am for. What is not, I am against," Cohen declared in an interview on "Meet the Press." He expressed uncertainty about whether all structures established by current Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich were legally sanctioned.

Cohen also addressed efforts to unite centrist political factions ahead of the upcoming elections. He indicated that his party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, is working towards consolidating the "center-right bloc" to maximize their electoral strength and prevent vote dilution. "We will do everything necessary to strengthen the bloc and ensure no one on our side loses votes," he said, expressing hope for a "favorable moment" for mergers.

Discussing recent security events, Cohen explained the protocol for alerting the Prime Minister, suggesting that if the Shin Bet and military did not deem an event severe enough to wake the Prime Minister, they likely did not perceive an immediate, grave threat. He also refuted claims that Gadi Eisenkot advocates for a two-state solution, asserting that it was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who previously discussed such a possibility and engaged with Palestinian leaders.

Regarding Palestinian autonomy, Cohen clarified his stance, stating he personally opposes a Palestinian state due to security concerns and believes it is currently unrealistic. He advocates for strengthening settlements but only those planned and approved by the government, emphasizing the need to maintain a clear Jewish majority and Israeli sovereignty. He warned against creating irreversible facts on the ground that could complicate future political decisions and stated he never spoke of evacuating Jewish settlements.

Cohen also revealed his surprise and disappointment at learning that Prime Minister Netanyahu allegedly conducted a separate negotiation with Hamas through a businessman during a period when Cohen's delegation was officially engaged in ceasefire talks. He claimed Netanyahu misled him twice on this matter, harming Israel's security interests and undermining trust between the Prime Minister's office and security agencies.