Yoram Cohen
Jewish Extremists Divide Israel's Right Wing — Even as Orthodox Take Reins of Security Services
Observant Jews have taken the reins of Israel’s security services, but that hasn’t been the sea change some predicted. J.J. Goldberg reports that the head of Shin Bet has divided the far right by leading a crackdown on Jewish extremists.
Spies Spar in Shin Bet-Mossad Turf War
Shin Bet and the Mossad are embroiled in a heated dispute over their respective intelligence gathering responsibilities. Who’s supposed to keep an eye on Gaza?
Is Bibi Stalling Pick of IDF Chief to Promote Rightist?
Netanyahu is reported to be stalling the nomination of Israel’s next IDF chief. His reasons are a topic of hot speculation — but J.J. Goldberg says the facts speak for themselves.
Shin Bet Chief: Mahmoud Abbas Isn't Inciting Terror
Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Mahmoud Abbas for the Jerusalem synagogue terror attack. Hours later, Israel’s domestic security chief said that just isn’t true, J.J. Goldberg reports.
IDF, Shin Bet in TV Brawl: Did Hamas Want a War?
A furious war of words has erupted between IDF chief of staff Benny Gantz and Shin Bet director Yoram Cohen over the question: Did Hamas plan a war or stumble into it?
Israel, Hamas Near Long-Term Deal on These Terms
Israel and the Palestinians are said to be near agreement on the terms for a long-term cease-fire for Gaza. J.J. Goldberg breaks down the demands on each side.
Shin Bet Big: Bibi's Stand Keeps Abbas from Talks
Speaking of intelligence leaks, Israel had one last week that speaks volumes about the prospects for Kerry’s Middle East peace mission.
Israeli Brass Astir Amid Pressure for Iran Strike
“Have the prime minister and defense minister sealed a deal between them, one on one, to attack the nuclear reactors in Iran?” So asks Nahum Barnea, commonly described as Israel’s senior and most respected political journalist, in an article leading the top of the front page of today’s Yediot Ahronot. He writes that growing rumors to that effect have created a quiet but urgent buzz within Israel’s political and military elites. They’re also troubling foreign governments, which “have a hard time understanding what is going on here”: a fateful decision that could “seal the fate of the Jewish state” for good or ill, and yet near-total silence on the topic in the public arena.