Yoram Cohen Vows No Coalition Without Conscription Law, Even If It Means New Elections

Yoram Cohen, former head of the Shin Bet and a leading candidate for the 'Yashar' party, has firmly stated that his party will not compromise on the issue of equal conscription for all Israeli citizens, including Arabs, and will not join any coalition that does not fully agree to a universal draft law. He directly challenged claims by United Torah Judaism's Moshe Gafni, who suggested that parties would compromise after the elections to form a 61-seat majority.

Cohen declared in an interview, "I am prepared to commit that this will not happen!" When asked if this stance included the possibility of repeat elections, he responded unequivocally, "Even at the cost of repeat elections!" He emphasized that the conscription law is a "vital necessity" and that any party unwilling to reconcile this issue will not be part of his party's potential coalition.

Beyond the conscription issue, Cohen criticized the current political maneuvering, stating, "I am not getting into the leverage being applied to Netanyahu regarding jobs and money. The image created for the Haredi public is terrible. Doesn't this bother people? Homework needs to be done on the image and partnership."

Despite the apparent deadlock with the Haredi parties in their current form, Cohen expressed optimism about forming a government. He believes the "change bloc" will secure over 61 seats, partly through unexpected alliances. "We are in contact with people from within the current coalition," he revealed, adding, "I believe that in the current situation, some of them will find an open door to us after the elections."