The Big Surprise in the Likud Primaries: Zvika Yehezkeli Supports the Star of 'The Arabists'

Zvika Yehezkeli publicly expressed support for Dr. Efi Cohen ahead of the Likud primaries, praising his understanding of the Arab world. Yehezkeli said: 'Whoever can help him and support him – I give my recommendation.' Cohen responded that there is a need for a different kind of presence in the Knesset, and that 'you need to know how the enemy thinks.'

Zvika Yehezkeli, a media personality and Middle East expert, gave his public support to Dr. Efi Cohen ahead of the Likud primaries. Yehezkeli praised Cohen for his understanding of the Arab world and their joint work on the program 'The Arabists', saying: 'Whoever can help Efi Cohen, go with him, support him – I give my recommendation.' He noted that Cohen sees the Arab world 'through his own eyes', something that is lacking in politics and leadership. Yehezkeli admitted that he struggles with the possibility that Cohen will leave the program, but wished him success. Cohen, for his part, said he enjoys the program but believes there is a need for a different kind of presence in the Knesset, and that familiarity with the Arabic language and patterns of thought in the Middle East is necessary in the political arena. He emphasized: 'You really need to know how the enemy thinks. The war is both a war on the ground and a war of hasbara.' The support comes ahead of the Likud primaries, and the article reports on the statements of the two.