Eli Cohen

Eli Cohen is a central figure in Israel's security and economic leadership, currently overseeing the Ministry of Energy during a period of intense regional conflict. Throughout his career in the Likud party, Cohen has established a reputation as a hawk on security matters while emphasizing Israel's economic resilience and energy independence. His previous tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Intelligence provided him with deep insight into the geopolitical challenges facing the Jewish state, particularly the Iranian threat and the complexities of the Abraham Accords.

In the current security landscape of June 2026, Cohen has emerged as a staunch defender of Israel's operational freedom in southern Lebanon. As the IDF maintains a strategic security zone to prevent the resurgence of Hezbollah, Cohen has been vocal in rejecting international pressure for a premature withdrawal. His stance reflects a broader consensus within the Israeli right that security arrangements must be dictated by Israeli defense needs rather than diplomatic convenience.

Cohen's recent public statements underscore a firm diplomatic line, even toward Israel's closest allies. By explicitly stating that Israel would refuse requests to withdraw from vital security zones—even if such requests came from high-ranking U.S. officials or the Trump administration—Cohen signals a 'security-first' priority. This approach prioritizes the long-term safety of Israel's northern residents over the immediate relief of international diplomatic friction. As Minister of Energy, he also manages the strategic protection of Israel's natural gas infrastructure, which remains a primary target for regional adversaries. His dual role in energy and security cabinet deliberations makes him a pivotal actor in ensuring that Israel's strategic assets and territorial integrity remain uncompromised during the ongoing multi-front war.