Ex-Shin Bet Chief's Comments on West Bank Outposts Spark Political Firestorm

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, now a candidate with the Yishai party, stated on Saturday that not all agricultural outposts established in the West Bank require preservation. Speaking on the "Meet the Press" program, Cohen clarified that he supports outposts built legally through government decisions and plans, but opposes those that are illegal or were not established with prior government approval and planning.

Cohen expressed uncertainty regarding claims that all construction promoted by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was done via government decisions, stating, "I don't know, I'm not sure that everything he built was by government decision. It needs to be checked."

His remarks drew sharp criticism from Smotrich, who interpreted Cohen's statements as opposition to some of the settlements established in recent years. Smotrich wrote on social media, "For many months I have been warning that the Eizenkot government will evacuate the settlements and outposts we established. Now Yoram Cohen, a senior figure in the Eizenkot party, is saying it out loud. The only way to ensure this disaster does not happen is for the right not to waste precious votes."

The Likud party also reacted strongly, stating, "Another secret is out. Eizenkot's number two reveals the truth - Eizenkot will establish a left-wing government that will destroy the settlements. Eizenkot will establish a Palestinian state government."