Likud’s rising star Eli Cohen: We will strike Iran if it revives its nuclear program

Eli Cohen, Israel's Energy Minister who topped the Likud primaries, reaffirmed his support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in his first interview since the results. Cohen, who previously served as Foreign Minister, expressed interest in the Finance Ministry, advocating for a free-market economy with social sensitivity. Reflecting on the war, Cohen claimed that by eliminating figures such as Nasrallah and Sinwar, Israel has established itself as the dominant power in the Middle East. Regarding Iran, Cohen stated that if Tehran attempts to revive its nuclear or ballistic missile programs, Israel will strike again. Addressing the controversial issue of ultra-Orthodox military enlistment, Cohen argued that the 60% of the Haredi community not engaged in full-time Torah study must serve to ensure an equal sharing of the national burden. On judicial matters, Cohen criticized the current system of judicial appointments, calling for an end to the 'friends bring friends' practice and asserting that while the government must operate within the law, the judiciary should not be above it.