Edy Cohen

Dr. Edy Cohen is a prominent Israeli scholar and public intellectual known for his expertise in the Arab world and his active presence in both Hebrew and Arabic-language media. Born in Lebanon, Cohen brings a unique perspective to the analysis of regional geopolitics, often focusing on the internal dynamics of Arab states, the threat of Islamist movements, and the historical legacy of Jewish communities across the Middle East. He is a researcher at the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies (BESA Center) and is frequently cited for his insights into the shifting alliances within the region.

Cohen is particularly noted for his direct engagement with the Arab public via social media, where he challenges prevailing narratives about Israel and the Jewish people. His work often highlights the complexities of the Sunni-Shia divide and the varying levels of openness toward normalization with Israel among Gulf monarchies. In recent assessments, Cohen has pointed to significant fractures within the Arab world regarding their approach to the Iranian regime. For instance, he noted that during high-profile events such as the funeral of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, several Gulf states conspicuously declined to send official delegations, signaling a refusal to engage with Tehran despite diplomatic pressures.

As an analyst, Cohen’s commentary is characterized by a security-first approach, emphasizing the importance of Israeli national resilience and the need for a clear-eyed understanding of adversarial intentions. While his claims are sometimes based on single-source intelligence or social media trends, they provide a window into the underlying tensions that define modern Middle Eastern diplomacy. His contributions remain a staple for those tracking Israeli-Arab relations and the broader struggle against Iranian regional hegemony.