Michael Shemesh Says Eli Cohen Was Unfairly Treated by Netanyahu Despite Winning Likud Primaries

Political reporter Michael Shemesh commented on Minister Eli Cohen's success in the Likud primaries, attributing Cohen's first-place finish to his decision to avoid confrontation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and focus on working with party members. Shemesh argued that Cohen was politically punished by Netanyahu during the allocation of ministerial portfolios, noting that Netanyahu gave Israel Katz half of Cohen's term as Foreign Minister and later promoted Katz to Defense Minister, while Cohen was assigned to the Energy Ministry. Shemesh described this as a clear political slight against Cohen, stating, "Any reasonable person knows he was wronged in the last portfolio distribution."

Shemesh further explained that Cohen faced two choices after the primaries: become a rebellious or embittered minister engaging in internal conflicts and briefing against Netanyahu, or set aside political disputes to concentrate on his role and strengthen ties with Likud members. Cohen chose the latter, which paid off with his top position in the primaries, surpassing other ministers and Knesset members on the national list. Shemesh emphasized that Cohen's victory was earned through diligent work and a clean, quality campaign, not by favor or luck, concluding, "Now he rightfully earned the first place."

The report also referenced a statement by Yariv Levin, who responded to the primaries results, highlighting the political context and Cohen's strategic approach within the party. Cohen's approach and success reflect internal Likud dynamics ahead of upcoming political challenges.