Deputy Minister Almog Cohen Joins Likud, Announces Primary Bid
Translated & summarized from Mako by baba
Deputy Minister Almog Cohen, formerly of Otzma Yehudit, announced his bid in the Likud primaries after receiving Prime Minister Netanyahu's endorsement and a shortened waiting period. Cohen, praised for his role in resolving a coalition crisis and his service as a commando, has openly addressed his mental health challenges. His move reflects a political realignment within Israel's right-wing ahead of elections.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Deputy Minister Almog Cohen announces Likud primary candidacy after leaving Otzma Yehudit.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu endorses Cohen, granting him a shortened waiting period to join Likud.
- Cohen helped resolve a coalition crisis involving Smotrich and Ben-Gvir in April 2025.
- He resigned from Knesset under Norwegian Law and became Deputy Minister in the PM's Office.
- Cohen is a former commando and Negev resident advocating for a new airport there.
- He has publicly discussed his post-traumatic stress and encourages mental health treatment.
Deputy Minister Almog Cohen officially declared his candidacy for the Likud party primaries on August 12, 2026. Cohen, who was previously elected to the Knesset as a member of Otzma Yehudit, left the party and received a shortened waiting period ("kitzur pazam") from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to join Likud. In a video released alongside the announcement, Netanyahu welcomed Cohen, praising him as a fighter and a Negev resident committed to advancing a new airport in the region. Netanyahu also thanked Cohen for his decisive vote in passing the budget.
Cohen’s transition to Likud follows his role in helping resolve a coalition crisis in April 2025 involving Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir. At that time, Cohen resigned from the Knesset under the Norwegian Law and was appointed Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office. A former Yasam commando and resident of Ofakim, Cohen has been open about his struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder after fighting in his hometown during the October 7 attacks, urging others to seek mental health support.
This move marks a significant political shift for Cohen, who had been a member of Otzma Yehudit, a far-right party. His integration into Likud, facilitated by Netanyahu’s endorsement, signals a consolidation of right-wing figures within the ruling party ahead of upcoming elections.
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