Almog Cohen: "Ben Gvir's statements are lulling the camp into complacency"

MK Almog Cohen, who left Otzma Yehudit and joined Likud, gives an interview to ynet and criticizes Itamar Ben Gvir's statements, which he says are lulling the camp into complacency. Cohen is aiming for the Ministry of National Security, expresses confidence in his primary achievement, and defends Netanyahu from responsibility for October 7, placing blame on security officials who concealed information.

MK Almog Cohen, who became the surprise of the Likud primaries and entered 13th place on the list, gives an interview to ynet and criticizes the statements of Itamar Ben Gvir, chairman of Otzma Yehudit. According to Cohen, Ben Gvir's preconditions for the defense and justice ministries are lulling the camp into complacency and apathy before an election victory. Cohen, who himself is aiming for the Ministry of National Security, argues that Likud must keep the core portfolios under its control. In the interview, he also addresses a 2021 recording in which he was heard claiming that Likud was negotiating with the Joint List, and explains that he did not leave Otzma Yehudit but was expelled from it after voting for the state budget. Regarding October 7, Cohen adheres to a narrative that clears Netanyahu of responsibility, claiming that information was concealed from him on the night before the massacre, and adds that he warned about Hamas as early as May 2023.