{
  "id": 15086907,
  "title": "Ex-Shin Bet chief warns Netanyahu could deliberately escalate tensions ahead of elections",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/ex-shin-bet-chief-warns-netanyahu-could-deliberately-escalate",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T01:26:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-election-2026/article-911944"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen warned that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu might deliberately escalate security tensions ahead of Israel's October 27 election for political reasons. Cohen expressed concern during an interview with Liat Regev on Kan Reshet Bet radio's Friday Midday program. He stated that he could not rule out the possibility of Netanyahu justifying security tensions and escalations, given the proximity of the elections and his current poll standing. Cohen emphasized that Netanyahu's decisions are influenced by ulterior motives, which he found troubling. He criticized Israel's lack of progress in Gaza, particularly in terms of implementing US President Donald Trump's 20-point plan for the territory. Cohen warned that without a viable plan for the \"day after\" the war, active measures would be necessary as Hamas controls Gaza, receives money, and grows stronger. Cohen also addressed Yisrael Beytenu chairman Avigdor Liberman's statement that his party would not support a minority government. Cohen argued that such a stance could undermine the opposition bloc's efforts to form a government. He expressed his belief that Israel would form a government with a clear Zionist majority in the upcoming elections.",
  "summary": "Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen warned that Netanyahu could deliberately escalate security tensions ahead of Israel's elections, citing concerns that political motives have influenced his decisions",
  "key_points": [
    "Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen warns Netanyahu may escalate tensions before October 27 election.",
    "Cohen expresses concern over Netanyahu's potential motives in security escalations.",
    "Cohen criticizes Israel's lack of progress in Gaza and calls for viable post-war plan."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Prioritizing political survival over strategic stability threatens to turn security crises into tools for electoral maneuvering, potentially undermining the long-term planning required to manage the ongoing conflict in Gaza.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "Democrats party's Golan questions Shin Bet chief Zini's ability to safeguard Israeli elections",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/democrats-partys-golan-questions-shin-bet-chief-zinis-ability-to",
        "published": "2026-10-17T04:00:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}