Ex-Shin Bet Chief Fears Security Escalation Before Israeli Elections
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen fears Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may provoke a security escalation before Israeli elections, potentially using the situation for electoral advantage. Cohen also criticized the government's handling of Gaza, warning of Hamas's continued strengthening and the need for a post-war strategy. He described Israel as being in "total stagnation on all fronts."
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen fears Benjamin Netanyahu may cause a security escalation before elections.
- Cohen warned that Hamas is strengthening and must be countered before it regains pre-Oct. 7 capabilities.
- The former intelligence chief described Israel's current situation as "total stagnation on all fronts."
- He criticized the government for not implementing a 20-point American plan for Gaza.
- Cohen linked his fears to the upcoming elections and Netanyahu's poll numbers.
Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen expressed concern on Friday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might instigate a security escalation ahead of the upcoming Israeli elections. Speaking on Kan Reshet Bet radio, Cohen stated he could not rule out the possibility of the security situation being exploited for electoral gain, noting that a justification for escalation can always be found.
Cohen criticized Netanyahu's decision-making, suggesting it has sometimes been influenced by considerations outside the public interest. He linked his fears to the proximity of the elections and Netanyahu's standing in opinion polls, though he hoped such a scenario would not materialize.
The former head of domestic intelligence also commented on the situation in Gaza, following statements by Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yashar! party, who vowed Hamas would no longer control the territory within 18 months of his party taking power. Cohen described Israel's current situation as "total stagnation on all fronts."
He accused the government of failing to implement a 20-point American plan and warned that without a post-war strategy for Gaza, a new Israeli intervention might become necessary. Cohen cautioned that Hamas continues to strengthen, recruit, and receive funding, urging an end to this situation before the group regains its pre-October 7 capabilities.
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