Ex-Shin Bet chief warns Netanyahu could deliberately escalate tensions ahead of elections

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could deliberately escalate security tensions ahead of Israel's October 27 election for political reasons. Cohen spoke on Kan Reshet Bet radio, criticizing stagnation in Gaza and addressing Avigdor Liberman's rejection of a minority government.

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, who holds the second spot on the Yashar party's electoral list, warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could deliberately escalate security tensions ahead of Israel's October 27 election for political reasons. In an interview with Liat Regev on Kan Reshet Bet radio's Friday Midday program on Friday, Cohen said he was concerned that Netanyahu might seek to escalate tensions on one of Israel's security fronts to improve his electoral prospects. "I don't want to make unequivocal statements, but a justification for a security situation and escalation can always be found. Unfortunately, I cannot rule it out," Cohen said, adding that Netanyahu has demonstrated in the past that "his decisions are influenced by ulterior motives, and that is very troubling." Cohen also criticized what he described as Israel's "complete stagnation on all fronts, a static situation," particularly in Gaza, while addressing Yashar chairman Gadi Eisenkot's pledge to end Hamas's rule in the enclave within 18 months of becoming prime minister. He argued that the current government was failing to implement US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for Gaza, warning that without a viable plan for the "day after" the war, "there will be no choice but for Israel to take active measures." "Hamas essentially controls the territory, receives money, grows stronger, and recruits people. We must stop this before it reaches the scale it had before October 6," he warned. Turning to the upcoming elections, Cohen addressed Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman's statement on Thursday that his party would not support a minority government under any circumstances. "We are working to establish a government of 61 Zionist, statesmanlike Knesset members," Cohen said. "If, God forbid, for some reason this is not possible, then we will establish a government with a clear Zionist majority." Cohen also questioned Liberman's decision, arguing that the statement could undermine the opposition bloc's efforts to form a government.