Former Shin Bet chief responds to possibility of escalation before elections: "Netanyahu has foreign considerations"
Yoram Cohen, former head of the Shin Bet, said in an interview with Kan News that he does not rule out the possibility that Prime Minister Netanyahu will intentionally escalate security fronts ahead of the elections due to "foreign considerations." Cohen cited Netanyahu's past decisions and the proximity of the elections as reasons for his concern. He also responded to Eisenkot's statement about achieving the goal within 18 months, calling the situation "complete stagnation." Cohen warned of Hamas's strengthening and addressed the issue of forming a government.
Yoram Cohen, former head of the Shin Bet and number two in the Yesh Atid party, was interviewed today (Friday) on the program "In the Middle of the Sixth Day" on Kan News and addressed the possibility that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will intentionally escalate security fronts ahead of the elections. Cohen said that "a justification for a security situation and escalation can always be found" and that he does not rule out this possibility. According to him, Netanyahu has shown that some of his decisions involve "foreign considerations," and the proximity to the elections and his position in the polls particularly concern him. Cohen also responded to the statement by party chairman Gadi Eisenkot, that within 18 months of his entry into the role of Prime Minister, Hamas will no longer control Gaza. Cohen claimed that Israel is in "complete stagnation on all fronts" and that the government is not implementing the American 20-point plan. He warned that Hamas controls the territory, is strengthening and recruiting people, and this must be stopped before it reaches the dimensions of before October 6. Additionally, Cohen addressed Avigdor Lieberman's statement that he would not support a minority government, and said that his party is working to establish a government of 61 Zionist MKs.