Ex-Shin Bet Chief Slams Netanyahu's Inner Circle

Former Shin Bet head Yoram Cohen has launched an unprecedented attack on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's close associates, citing recent events including the landing of an Egyptian intelligence plane in Israel and the conduct of Netanyahu's advisors. Cohen sharply criticized a series of dramatic incidents, beginning with Netanyahu's denial of prior knowledge regarding the Egyptian intelligence chief's visit on the eve of October 7th, continuing through decisions about strikes in Iran, and extending to troubling revelations about Netanyahu's close advisor, Jonathan Uriach.

In an interview with 103FM radio, Cohen expressed complete disbelief in Netanyahu's claim that he was unaware of Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel's arrival in Israel. Cohen stated that typically, when intelligence chiefs from important countries visit, the Prime Minister is informed of their arrival and the meeting's content, especially when national security is involved. He emphasized the significance of the event, adding, "I have no doubt he came to deliver a certain important message. It would be very unusual if such information were not conveyed to the Prime Minister."

A significant portion of Cohen's criticism was directed at the perceived chaos and the nature of the individuals surrounding the Prime Minister. He directly accused Netanyahu, stating, "It is very difficult to trust the Prime Minister; we see the considerations of the group surrounding him, some of them very questionable, and even in hindsight, they have no reasonable explanations." Cohen controversially compared Netanyahu's conduct to that of Shabbetai Tzvi, asserting that Netanyahu has surrounded himself with loyal individuals willing to cross any line, engaging in actions bordering on criminal.

Cohen's anger was particularly focused on the case of Jonathan Uriach, after it was revealed he linked his WhatsApp to a storage service in the UAE. Cohen warned, "This man receives funding from a hostile, if not an enemy, state, and he is in direct contact with them, carrying out influence operations against the public in Israel. This is a terrible, terrible thing." Instead of removing Uriach, Cohen argued, Netanyahu is defending him and bringing him back like a "prodigal son."

Cohen called for an immediate Shin Bet investigation to determine if sensitive information from the Prime Minister's office had reached foreign hands. Former senior Shin Bet official Dvir Kariv joined the criticism regarding Uriach, urging Shin Bet head Ronen Bar to urgently confiscate and examine the advisor's mobile device. Kariv warned of an immediate and serious threat to national security, stating that in light of the revelations, a thorough investigation is necessary to prevent information leaks. While Netanyahu's circle attempts to dismiss claims of an intelligence failure by neighboring Arab states, the technological revelations concerning Uriach deepen the rift and raise serious questions about information security within the country's most sensitive office.