It is no secret that vaunted former Mossad Director Yossi Cohen, who stepped down earlier this year, aspires to be Benjamin Netanyahu's heir even before the former prime minister’s political demise has been declared. Netanyahu, too, has been quoted in the past as mentioning Cohen’s name, together with that of his ambassador to Washington Ron Dermer, as his potential heirs to lead the Likud party and run for the premiership.

Cohen would seem to have everything it takes for such a future: the right look, the understated yet abundant charisma, a record as one of the most daring Mossad chiefs of all times, sharply honed political antennae and a winning personality that has charmed many, journalists of all stripes included. Even before announcing his political intentions (if he indeed announces), Cohen has been the favorite on Likud members’ WhatsApp betting pools for the day after Netanyahu, although most pray that day will never come.

Cohen sustained a blow Dec. 20, which could turn out to be a real problem. Many were surprised at the expose aired on Channel 13’s show “Hamakor” (“The Source”) — those who know Cohen less so.

Cohen is known as a rule breaker who gives in to his instincts, often swept up in his liking for the good life, drawn to power, women, money and the limelight. He has previously been touched by scandal, barely emerging unscathed. Cohen’s name around the Mossad was “the model,” a reference to his top model looks. He wears expensive suits, uses pricey cologne and never appears disheveled, sweaty or bothered. In short, a shining poster boy for excellence responsible for some of the most amazing Mossad operations of recent years. But this week, Israel was abuzz not with Cohen’s operations in Tehran, Damascus or Beirut, but with Cohen as a smooth operator of a completely different kind.