Ask Haviv Anything Episode 40: You still need real life spies to win wars, with Yossi Cohen
Sep 4, 2025
Yossi Cohen, the former director of Mossad, shares intriguing insights from his time leading Israel's intelligence agency. He discusses the ongoing conflict with Iran and the significance of human intelligence over tech-based espionage. Cohen addresses the implications of the Gaza crisis, the complexities of hostage recovery, and the urgent need for accountability in Israel's leadership. He also emphasizes the necessity of local governance in Gaza to combat extremism, revealing a mix of strategic foresight and hope for reform.
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Society United On Hostage Priority
- Yossi Cohen believes Israeli society is broadly united on the need to bring all hostages home.
- He frames the debate as about what price Israel will pay, not about whether to secure release.
Protect Right To Strike In Any Deal
- Do insist on an agreement that preserves Israel's right to strike terrorists globally, including Gaza.
- Demand a tougher, enforceable deal rather than repeating past arrangements that let Hamas rebuild capabilities.
Rebuilding Gaza Requires New Local Leadership
- Cohen argues Gaza can be rebuilt but only if Hamas is removed from control and donors' aid is used properly.
- He highlights that past donor funds were diverted to tunnels and military uses, not civilian infrastructure.