Energy Minister Eli Cohen Rejects False Peace Deals, Vows No Withdrawal Without Hamas Disarmament

Israeli Energy Minister and Cabinet member Eli Cohen firmly rejected any Israeli withdrawal from Gaza without the complete disarmament of Hamas. In an interview with Channel 7, Cohen criticized the 15-point peace proposal from the 'Peace Council,' calling it a deceptive ploy by Hamas to appear disarmed while secretly preparing for future attacks. He emphasized that Israel will not retreat "even a millimeter" until Hamas is fully disarmed and that Israel demands full security control over Gaza.

Cohen revealed that Israel submitted extensive objections to the US regarding the peace document, rejecting previous "hudna"-style ceasefire approaches. He highlighted that Israel currently controls about 70% of Gaza’s territory and its crossings, maintaining a security buffer zone to protect Israeli citizens. Cohen also criticized former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot's stance against entering Rafah and allowing smuggling routes that empowered Hamas.

Addressing reports of a Muslim country advising another to sign a peace agreement with Israel as a deception, Cohen said he was not surprised, citing ongoing intelligence assessments that show no genuine intentions from Hamas. He noted Israel’s significant defense budget increase of 340 billion shekels to strengthen security. Cohen reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to expanding peace without compromising security interests, citing the Abraham Accords as proof that peace can be achieved without territorial concessions.

Regarding recent defections from the Likud party and their openness to figures like Eisenkot and Yair Golan, Cohen stressed the importance of voting solely for Likud to ensure a right-wing government and avoid political instability. He contrasted Likud’s approach with Eisenkot’s, who he said does not rule out a two-state solution, whereas Likud enforces sovereignty in Judea and Samaria. Cohen expressed concern over the proliferation of right-wing parties that may fail to pass the electoral threshold but expressed confidence that Prime Minister Netanyahu will act to prevent fragmentation.

Summary: Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen rejects peace proposals he views as deceptive, insists on Hamas disarmament before any Gaza withdrawal, and calls for unified right-wing political support to maintain security and sovereignty.