Likud MK Almog Cohen Rejects Ben Gvir's Claim He Did Him a Favor Ahead of Primaries

Ahead of the upcoming Likud primaries, Member of Knesset Almog Cohen dismissed Itamar Ben Gvir's assertion that he did Cohen a favor. In a conversation with Aral Segal and Eyal Berkovich on 103FM on August 16, 2026, Cohen recalled the budget night when the government was at risk of collapsing, stating, "I was the 61st finger," emphasizing his pivotal role in keeping the coalition intact. He said, "No one did me a favor; I did Ben Gvir a favor."

Regarding his campaign efforts, Cohen acknowledged the short timeframe but expressed determination, saying, "I am a fighter and I bite into this task." When Berkovich challenged him about his political approach, Cohen highlighted legislative achievements such as the "protection law" that imprisoned Abu Latif and laws for expelling terrorists. Berkovich countered that 55% of southern contractors still pay protection money, to which Cohen responded that this is a complex issue that cannot be resolved overnight.

Cohen also mentioned initiatives like the "Hero Grant" for residents of the Gaza envelope and the planned airport in Beit Kama, which is expected to create 15,000 jobs. He defended the Likud party against accusations of internal corruption, describing its members as ideological and devoted patriots. Cohen criticized politicians who "shout in courts and media but do nothing," emphasizing that public servants should serve the people, not the other way around.

This exchange highlights the tensions within the right-wing camp ahead of the 2026 elections and Cohen's efforts to position himself as a pragmatic and effective leader within Likud.