[51519] Political storm: Minister Levin attacks Yoram Cohen over his statements on refusenikism

Political storm following Yoram Cohen's statements

A political storm has erupted following the remarks of Yoram Cohen, who recently joined Gadi Eizenkot's party, regarding refusal to serve in the IDF. Cohen reiterated his position that he can "understand" those who choose to stop volunteering for military service against the backdrop of claims of "harm to democracy" and government institutions, as reported by Amir Ettinger & Yuval Segev. However, Cohen emphasized that he does not support refusal and does not call for it.

The response from the government was sharp. Minister Yariv Levin, who represents a firm position against displays of refusenikism, attacked Cohen sharply, claiming that "anyone who gives legitimacy to refusal is not fit to serve as an elected official." Levin added that Cohen's inclusion in the party constitutes a "spit in the face of reservists and IDF soldiers," as according to him, Cohen refrained from disavowing his statements even after the consequences of the refusal became clear.

This criticism received echoes in several news channels. Amit Segal highlighted Cohen's consistency in refusing to retract the remarks, while Torat Lehima - For the IDF, a channel identified with right-wing and conservative security-oriented positions, published Levin's words while emphasizing the harm to the IDF. The Political Arena channel also joined in reporting on the frontal attack by Minister Levin.

The issue is causing deep controversy, with Cohen's position on one side, which views "understandable" refusal as a product of concern for democratic institutions, and on the other side stands the position of Minister Levin, who sees this as crossing a red line that undermines the foundations of the army and the state.