Likud Primary Candidate Accuses Jerusalem Mufti of Supporting Hitler

Dr. Eddy Cohen, a candidate in the Likud party primaries and expert on Middle Eastern affairs, sparked controversy in a recent interview on Gadi Taub's podcast 'Shomer HaSaf.' Cohen accused Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem during the British Mandate period, of supporting Adolf Hitler. He claimed that after Hitler's rise to power, al-Husseini declared allegiance to him, coordinated with Arab countries to prevent Jewish emigration, collaborated with the Nazis in Germany, and was responsible for Nazi propaganda efforts.

Cohen's statements come amid his campaign efforts in the Likud primaries, where he has received public backing from Arab affairs commentator Zvi Yehezkel. Yehezkel praised Cohen's deep understanding of the Arab world, describing him as someone who views the region through its own perspective, a viewpoint he said is lacking in Israeli politics and leadership. Yehezkel urged his audience to support Cohen's candidacy, highlighting the importance of his analysis and public work.

The interview and endorsements highlight ongoing debates within the Likud party about Middle Eastern policy and historical narratives. Cohen's remarks about al-Husseini add to the discourse on the Mufti's controversial role during World War II. Meanwhile, another Likud Knesset member has reportedly withdrawn from the primaries, signaling shifting dynamics within the party ahead of the elections.