Former Shin Bet Chief Yoram Cohen Vows to Pass 'Defendant Law' in Next Israeli Government

Yoram Cohen, former head of Israel's Shin Bet and a senior member of Gadi Eisenkot's political faction, pledged during a recent closed-door meeting in Shoham that his party will advance the "Defendant Law" in the next government. This proposed amendment to the Basic Law on Government aims to prevent indicted Knesset members from forming a government. Cohen noted that the law was discussed but not passed in the previous Lapid-Bennett government due to opposition from figures like Ayelet Shaked. Had it passed then, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would have been barred from forming the current government.

Cohen also promised to establish a government with no more than 24 ministers but avoided directly confirming whether his party would support a minority government relying on Ra'am's abstention, emphasizing a preference for a coalition of 61 Zionist members. He criticized current Shin Bet leadership under David Zini, warning against political interference from Netanyahu that could damage the agency's integrity and public trust.

Opposing the Shin Bet's involvement in combating crime within Arab Israeli communities, Cohen cited concerns about overextension and potential legal and reputational risks. On the political front, he dismissed the prospect of a Palestinian state, advocating instead for autonomy under Israeli security control and continued settlement development according to government plans. He opposed full annexation of the West Bank, warning it would lead to a binational state, increased conflict, and damage to peace agreements.

Regarding the upcoming elections, Cohen highlighted Shin Bet's role in protecting critical infrastructure and preventing cyberattacks, though he acknowledged concerns about potential foreign interference. The leaked recordings sparked sharp criticism from right-wing politicians, including Netanyahu's circle, who accused Cohen and Eisenkot's faction of fearing the electorate and undermining democracy. Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned their support for Palestinian autonomy as a threat to Israeli security, while Minister Shlomo Karhi accused them of attempting to override voters' will by empowering officials to decide the prime minister.

Knesset member Almog Cohen warned that Eisenkot and Cohen's plans for Palestinian autonomy near key Israeli infrastructure could endanger national security, referencing the recent October 7 attacks.