Eli Cohen
Eli Cohen is a senior Israeli politician and a prominent figure in the Likud party, currently serving as the Minister of Energy. He has previously held the Foreign Affairs and Intelligence portfolios and is a key member of the security cabinet, known for his firm stance on Israeli security interests and strategic energy assets.
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 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. He has explicitly stated that the territory seized in southern Lebanon is essential for the defense of northern Israeli communities and that the issue of withdrawal is not open for negotiation, even when facing requests from close allies like the United States.
Beyond his security role, Cohen remains a powerful force within internal Likud politics. In the August 2026 party primaries, Cohen secured the first-place position on the national list, finishing with a commanding 3,000-vote lead over the next candidate. This result solidifies his standing as a top-tier leader within the party's rank-and-file. 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.