Ex-Shin Bet Chief Yoram Cohen: No Coalition for Haredim Without Universal Draft

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, now second-in-command on Gadi Eisenkot's 'Yisrael' party list, has stated unequivocally that his party will not enter a coalition with Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) parties unless they agree to universal conscription for all citizens. Cohen emphasized this commitment, even if it means facing repeat elections, directly challenging claims by MK Moshe Gafni that these are mere election slogans.

Cohen explained that his party's stance on mandatory service stems from an existential need for fighting forces in the IDF, not from a desire for revenge. The proposed plan includes exemptions for up to 3% of each age cohort for exceptional Torah scholars, but insists on the principle of equal burden. He believes the Haredi public should hear their platform and may even gain some of their votes.

Addressing the October 7th attacks, Cohen assigned responsibility to both the professional and political echelons. He cited failures in intelligence assessment by the IDF and Shin Bet, but also placed significant weight on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for fostering a policy of containment towards Hamas and approving Qatari funding for the Gaza Strip over the years. Cohen also dismissed Netanyahu's claim that he would have acted differently if warned, stating all available information was passed to his office.

Cohen joined Eisenkot's party due to his long-standing trust in the former IDF chief's integrity and leadership capabilities. He expressed a desire to influence policy and secure a central role in a future government, aiming for Eisenkot to become prime minister. The party seeks to form a stable coalition above the 61-seat threshold, built on three core principles: recognizing Israel as a Jewish and democratic state, upholding the Declaration of Independence, and implementing universal conscription.