Report: Netanyahu May Include Outgoing Mossad Chief Cohen in Next Gov’t

Outgoing Mossad chief Yossi Cohen could be integrated into Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s government after the elections next week, as per a suggestion that Netanyahu made during an interview with Channel 13 on Motzoei Shabbos.

According to Netanyahu, Cohen, whose term as head of the Mossad ends in June, represents a “considerable” asset for Israel.

“His term ends in two months, and I would like him to continue [his work],” he said, adding: “I am considering including him in my next government.”

Israeli law bars outgoing defense officials from serving as government ministers for at least three years from their retirement date, which obviously Netanyahu is aware of.

But Cohen’s name has been floated as a potential candidate for a prestigious ambassadorship overseas, possibly in the United States or acting as Netanyahu’s special envoy for diplomatic matters.

Heading the Mossad since 2016, Cohen previously led the National Security Council and is considered a very close confidant of Netanyahu.