Former Mossad Chief Yossi Cohen Urges UK to Appreciate Israel's Counterterrorism Efforts

Yossi Cohen, who led Israel's Mossad from 2016 to 2021, told a British podcast that the agency has saved many lives in the UK by disrupting extensive terrorist activities. He cited personal thanks from the former head of MI5, who praised Cohen for significantly hindering terrorism on British soil. Cohen criticized recent British government moves to distance themselves from Israel, especially following Labour leader Keir Starmer's public apology for his party's handling of Israel's military actions in Gaza in late 2023.

Cohen emphasized that Israel did not initiate the Gaza conflict, attributing it to Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists. He urged the UK government to support Israel robustly, as Israel has supported Britain against terrorism for years. Cohen also highlighted the rising security concerns for Jews in UK cities like London and Manchester.

He condemned British political rhetoric accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, calling it poor politics that disrespects Israel's efforts to protect both its citizens and those of Britain. Cohen noted that British government lawyers in 2025 found no evidence of Israel committing genocide or intentionally targeting civilians in Gaza, acknowledging Israel's efforts to minimize civilian harm.

The former Mossad chief's remarks come amid ongoing UK-Israel intelligence cooperation and reflect tensions over political narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Cohen's statements call for greater recognition of Israel's role in counterterrorism and caution against politicizing the conflict in ways that undermine this partnership.