Former Shin Bet head Yoram Cohen joins Eisenkot’s Yashar! ahead of elections

In a significant move for Israel's political landscape, former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen has officially joined Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar! party, bolstering the opposition's security credentials ahead of the anticipated elections. Cohen's decision to enter politics, particularly with Eisenkot's burgeoning movement, signals a strong desire to challenge the current government's leadership, which he has openly criticized.

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Israel is facing major security and social challenges, and misguided leadership in handling them, as we see today, could bring us to a dangerous brink at a critical moment.

Cohen's tenure as Shin Bet head from 2011 to 2016 provided him with deep insights into national security and counterterrorism. His subsequent public criticisms of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including allegations that Netanyahu attempted to exploit the Shin Bet's powers for political gain, lend considerable weight to his new political alignment. His past claims about Netanyahu seeking to use intelligence tools for political purposes and attempting to revoke security clearances of political rivals paint a picture of a leader deeply concerned about the integrity of Israel's security apparatus.

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I have decided to respond to my friend Gadi’s call as if it were a reserve duty ‘Order 8’ [call-up order], in the hope and belief that I can help contribute to healing, repair, and restoration for our beloved country.

Eisenkot, welcoming Cohen, emphasized the value of his "more than 35 years of rich security experience and deep expertise in national security." He positioned Cohen as a "professional, statesmanlike, and value-driven voice" representing Yashar!'s commitment to "responsibility and integrity; of results, not slogans." This strategic recruitment aims to attract voters disillusioned with the current political climate and seeking experienced, trustworthy leadership, particularly in matters of security.

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He brings with him more than 35 years of rich security experience and deep expertise in national security.

Cohen himself stated he joined Yashar! in response to Eisenkot's call, likening it to a reserve duty call-up. He expressed hope and belief in his ability to contribute to the "healing, repair, and restoration" of Israel, framing the nation as facing "major security and social challenges" under "misguided leadership." The addition of Cohen, alongside other recent recruits like former Finance Ministry official Shaul Meridor and former Welfare Ministry official Inbar Yehezkeli, signals Yashar!'s intent to present a formidable alternative government, grounded in experience and a commitment to national well-being.

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He is a professional, statesmanlike, and value-driven voice that represents the type of leadership Yashar! offers the people of Israel leadership of responsibility and integrity; of results, not slogans.