The "Shurat HaDin" conference on combating antisemitism opened Monday at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York. The annual conference, now in its second year in New York, is organized by Shurat HaDin President Nitsana Darshan-Leitner and brought together dozens of Jewish organizations, security and legal experts, Israeli activists, and American opinion leaders.
During the conference, Former Mossad director Yossi Cohen responded to a question from Israel Hayom regarding a possible entry into politics in next year's elections: "The answer is no. Not now. We'll see what happens next."
He went on to reveal, "When I was head of Mossad, Prime Minister Netanyahu hinted that I was his successor. One day I asked him if he had really said that, and he said yes, and explained why."
Cohen added, "I think everything changed dramatically after October 7. There's a need for new leadership. So I can't rule it out entirely. I'm weighing everything, but for now the decision is no."
On the hostages Cohen said: "I estimate that there are at least seven more deceased hostages whose whereabouts are known to Hamas. As for the rest, I'm not sure."
Speaking on the deal that ended the war, Cohen said: "It's not the ideal deal, but this is the right time for a ceasefire and the price was worth paying to bring the hostages home. I don't believe the US or others will stop Israel from fighting terrorism in the future."
On whether Iran and Hezbollah took part in the October 7 attacks, Cohen stated: "I'm not aware of any plan for a two-front invasion. If there had been one, the Mossad would have warned about it. Perhaps there simply wasn't such a plan." He added, "Regime change in Iran is possible. It will take several years. The Iranian people are suffering under a brutal regime. Those who dare to protest are hanged or shot. But I believe the time has come and if the world supports it, it will happen."
