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.
