MK Almog Cohen: Those Wanting to Sit With Hamas Need a Padded Room

Member of Knesset Almog Cohen stated on Sunday that any political faction seeking to form a government with parties supporting terrorism, specifically Hamas, requires psychological evaluation. Speaking on the "HaYisre'alim" program, Cohen emphasized that while his bloc extended a hand for unity, it was not met in kind. He argued that the purported 67 mandates for a government are illusory because they do not account for parties that support terrorism, clarifying this is not about Arab parties but specifically about terror supporters.

Cohen criticized some Israelis as "exiled, frightened, submissive" for being willing to align with Hamas supporters after the October 7th attacks, seeing it as beneficial for the right-wing bloc. He reiterated that his bloc's ideological lines remain firm, and anyone unwilling to dismantle Hamas after the atrocities of October 7th "needs a padded room." He challenged the opposing bloc to proceed with forming a government if they indeed have the 67 mandates, contrasting their approach with that of Prime Minister Netanyahu, whom he described as playing chess while others play backgammon.

Using a poker analogy, Cohen urged the "change bloc" to proceed with their coalition plans, suggesting they should not be intimidated. He posed a hypothetical scenario where a leader, described as wanting equality for Arab citizens of Israel, might halt further assassinations in Gaza, forcing the opposing bloc to seek accommodation. Cohen stressed his opposition to further elections, noting that some parties who sought public trust with clear principles, like a "number four in Ra'am" who suggested abandoning principles, are now betraying that trust. He concluded by reiterating that some Israelis are willing to sit with Hamas supporters, a point made before the elections, and that the choice is ultimately between "right-wing or Palestine."