Ex-Shin Bet Chief Fears Netanyahu May Escalate Conflict for Election Gain
Translated & summarized from Kan News by baba
Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen fears Prime Minister Netanyahu may escalate security situations before elections, citing "foreign considerations" in past decisions. Cohen described Israel's current security posture as "stagnation" and warned Hamas is strengthening. He also commented on coalition politics, stating his party aims for a 61-member "Zionist" government but would form a majority if necessary.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen fears Netanyahu may escalate security situations for election gain.
- Cohen cited "foreign considerations" in past decisions as a reason for his concern.
- He described Israel's current security situation as "complete stagnation on all fronts."
- Cohen warned that Hamas is strengthening and controlling territory in Gaza.
- He stated his party aims to form a 61-member "Zionist" government.
- Cohen questioned Avigdor Lieberman's statement against supporting a minority government.
Yoram Cohen, former head of the Shin Bet and previously the second-in-command in the Yesh Atid party, expressed concern that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might intentionally escalate security situations before upcoming elections. Speaking on Kan News, Cohen stated he could not rule out such a possibility, citing Netanyahu's past decisions which he believes were influenced by "foreign considerations." Cohen is particularly worried due to the proximity of the elections and Netanyahu's standing in the polls.
Cohen described Israel's current security situation as "complete stagnation on all fronts, a static situation." He also criticized the current government for failing to implement the American "20-point plan" and warned that if an "after the day" plan for Gaza is not developed, Israel might be forced into "active action."
He emphasized the urgency of stopping Hamas's current trajectory, noting that the organization controls territory, receives funding, and is strengthening its ranks, warning against a return to the situation prior to October 7th.
Cohen also addressed statements made by Avigdor Lieberman, chairman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, who declared his party would not support a minority government, even for a transitional period. Cohen stated his party is working to form a government of 61 "Zionist, state-minded" Knesset members, but if that proves impossible, they would form a government with a clear Zionist majority. He questioned Lieberman's statement, suggesting it was unhelpful to their bloc.
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