Former Shin Bet Chief Yoram Cohen Opens Door to Palestinian Autonomy, Rejects Full Statehood

Yoram Cohen, former head of the Shin Bet and current candidate in Gadi Eizenkot's party, stated in a private event in Shoham that a Palestinian state is not relevant but left open the possibility of future Palestinian autonomy, calling it "the maximum." According to a recording published by ynet, Cohen opposed full annexation of the West Bank, arguing that such a move would risk turning Israel into a bi-national state, increase conflict, damage peace agreements, and lead to endless bloodshed. He emphasized that Israel should maintain security responsibility through the IDF and security agencies while allowing Jewish settlements to develop legally under government plans.

Cohen’s comments sparked criticism from Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who accused Eizenkot's left-wing government of effectively endorsing the establishment of a Palestinian entity near Israeli population centers, which he described as a "terror state five minutes from Kfar Saba." Smotrich warned that the government would evacuate farms and new settlements to create this entity, calling the coalition dangerous for Israel. He also accused Avigdor Lieberman of silencing opposition to these policies.

Cohen’s remarks reflect ongoing debates within Israeli politics about the future of the West Bank, balancing security concerns, settlement expansion, and the possibility of Palestinian self-rule without full statehood. The controversy highlights divisions between right-wing leaders advocating annexation and others warning of its risks. The discussion is expected to continue as the Eizenkot-Lieberman government shapes its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.