Ex-Shin Bet Chief Fears Netanyahu May Attack Iran for Political Gain
Translated & summarized from Maariv by baba
Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen fears Prime Minister Netanyahu may attack Iran for political gain ahead of elections, citing a lack of urgent intelligence for such a strike. Cohen's party also deems Netanyahu unfit for leadership post-October 7th. He expressed faith in the Chief of Staff to advise against unnecessary military action, while criticizing Netanyahu's use of the Iranian threat for political purposes. Cohen also outlined his party's conditions for coalition negotiations, including with Ra'am.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ex-Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen fears Netanyahu may attack Iran for political gain.
- Cohen's party believes Netanyahu is unfit to be Prime Minister after October 7th.
- Cohen expressed confidence in Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot's judgment on military action.
- Netanyahu's focus on the Iranian threat is criticized as a political tactic.
- Cohen's party has four conditions for coalition talks, currently unmet by Arab or Haredi parties.
Yoram Cohen, former head of the Shin Bet and a senior figure in the Yesh! party, expressed concern that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might launch an offensive against Iran for political reasons, particularly in light of upcoming elections. Cohen stated that while Israel must respond to immediate threats to its national security, he does not believe current intelligence indicates an urgent need for a preemptive strike. He voiced apprehension that Netanyahu, driven by his political survival and a desire to erase the stain of the October 7th massacre, might initiate an attack that could be perceived by the public as a heroic act to save Israel from Iran. Cohen emphasized that such a decision should not be influenced by election outcomes.
Cohen also shared his party's stance on Netanyahu's fitness for leadership, stating that they do not view him as fit to serve as Prime Minister after the failures leading up to the October 7th attack. He indicated that Netanyahu would not be part of any future government formed by his party.
Regarding the potential for a strike, Cohen expressed confidence in the current Chief of Staff, Gadi Eisenkot, to exercise sound judgment. He suggested that if Eisenkot believes an imminent strike is not critically necessary, he should voice his concerns to the cabinet, although the final decision rests with the government and cabinet. Cohen also criticized Netanyahu's repeated focus on the Iranian threat, suggesting it is a tactic to frighten the public during election campaigns, recalling past instances where the Prime Minister allegedly exaggerated threats.
In discussions about coalition building, Cohen clarified that his party would consider negotiating with any party, including Ra'am, that meets four specific conditions, though he noted that currently, no Arab or Haredi party has agreed to these terms. He stressed that his party would not compromise on core values, such as mandatory military service for all.
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