Yossi Cohen, Israel’s former Mossad chief renowned for decades of covert operations and intelligence triumphs, has broken his silence with a candid and unflinching assessment of the nation’s future. Speaking to Times UK, Cohen — who spent nearly 40 years in the shadows orchestrating espionage, recruiting agents, and directing high-stakes missions deep inside enemy territory — declared that Israel urgently needs a new leadership, and if necessary, he is prepared to step into that role.
“I’m taking my gloves off. I need to be honest with the people of Israel,” Cohen told Times UK during an exclusive conversation in his Tel Aviv office. “Netanyahu cannot create the change that we need.”
A Spymaster Ready for Politics?
Nicknamed “the Model” for his charm and polished appearance, Cohen’s reputation as a master of diplomacy is bolstered by his fluency in English, Hebrew, Arabic, and French. He is known for building bridges with both allies and adversaries — a skill that served him well during his close collaboration with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu over the years.
Cohen’s political hints have stirred speculation. Though he insists he has not formally decided to enter politics, his recently published autobiography, The Sword of Freedom, offers glimpses of his ambitions. “If one day I will be prime minister, I know our first two priorities,” Cohen said. “Unity, and service by all.”
While Cohen remains non-committal, Times UK reports that his statements bear the hallmarks of a campaign in waiting. “It’s too early to say,” he remarked when asked about his path forward, but his focus on unity and reform suggests a vision that could redefine Israeli politics.
Netanyahu’s Shadow and the High Stakes
Cohen’s relationship with Netanyahu has been a defining feature of his career. Netanyahu’s trust led to Cohen’s appointment as national security adviser and later Mossad chief, roles through which he negotiated critical agreements such as the Abraham Accords. However, this association has also entangled Cohen in controversies like the submarine scandal — a multi-billion-dollar defense deal with the German company ThyssenKrupp — in which both men face scrutiny over procedural lapses.
Despite these challenges, Cohen continues to acknowledge Netanyahu’s dedication. “He is not an opportunist,” Cohen told Times UK, “but like other good leaders, there is a time they have to go and be replaced to fit the updated national taste.”
Cohen’s vision for reform includes reshaping the Likud party. Inspired by advice from former British Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair, Cohen advocates for a “New Likud” that would steer the party toward pragmatism and professionalism while countering radical elements.
Security Crisis and the Gaza Quagmire
The context for Cohen’s remarks is grim. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has eroded Israel’s global standing. The mass displacement and civilian casualties, alongside failed ceasefire efforts, have left Netanyahu’s leadership strained. Israel’s recent airstrike on Hamas’s leadership in Qatar — which drew criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump — exemplifies the diplomatic fallout.
Cohen refrained from commenting directly on these developments but voiced broader concerns about leadership paralysis. “Netanyahu is caged by his coalition with extremists,” Cohen told Times UK, highlighting the government’s inability to push through reforms such as ending conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews and Arab citizens.
He also emphasized that any political debate should focus on domestic priorities rather than abstract peace proposals. “Forget about our usual split — a two-state solution or one state from the river to the sea — this is not applicable anymore,” Cohen said. “Talk about us — talk about what the Israelis need.”
Settlements and National Identity
While rejecting proposals for settlers’ evacuation, Cohen supports what he calls “biological growth” in Area C of the West Bank, emphasizing infrastructure and coexistence over territorial concessions. However, he condemned settler violence, calling such acts “a stain on Israel” and arguing that the state must enforce discipline to preserve its global image.
Intelligence Legacy: Iran at the Forefront
Cohen’s tenure at Mossad is marked by bold intelligence operations, especially in Iran. Under his leadership, Mossad expanded human intelligence networks that culminated in groundbreaking missions such as the seizure of Iran’s nuclear archive in 2018. Dubbed “Ocean’s Eleven, for real” in his autobiography, the operation involved replicating a Tehran warehouse to extract 55,000 documents proving Iran’s nuclear violations.
“This is the fulfilment of my life’s work,” Cohen told Times UK, proudly describing his efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Despite the successes, he expressed regret that the Israeli strikes in June failed to topple the Iranian leadership and trigger regime change.
Cohen also credited human intelligence as the cornerstone of Mossad’s effectiveness, arguing that technological methods alone are insufficient. He recalled MI6’s reliance on Israeli intelligence to thwart terror threats, recounting how former MI5 chief Sir Andrew Parker praised his efforts.
The October 7 Failure and Gaza’s Future
Cohen’s harshest critique was reserved for the intelligence breakdown that allowed the October 7 attacks. “The intelligence line collapsed. It was unacceptable and inexplicable,” he told Times UK.
He lamented that the domestic agency Shin Bet resisted Mossad’s offers to assist in Gaza operations, despite the territory’s complex security environment resembling Lebanon or Iran more than a typical domestic threat.
Looking ahead, Cohen envisions Gaza’s reconstruction under Palestinian leadership, free from Hamas’s authoritarian grip. “Countries destroyed in the past have decided their own future,” he said, referencing post-war Germany as an example of recovery and resilience.
Conclusion: A New Chapter?
As Israel heads toward elections before November 2026, Cohen’s cautious but pointed remarks signal that change may be on the horizon. While he expects Netanyahu to retain power in the short term, he also warns of a “different era” once the incumbent steps down.
With a career shaped by espionage, strategic thinking, and global intrigue, Cohen’s potential political journey could reshape Israel’s path — emphasizing unity, reform, and security rooted in intelligence, professionalism, and pragmatic leadership.
