Deputy Mossad chief appointed national security adviser

Defense establishment veteran Yossi Cohen, 52, to replace Amidror as Netanyahu’s right-hand man

Deputy Mossad chief Yossi Cohen will replace Yaakov Amidror as National Security Adviser, the Prime Minister’s Office announced Wednesday.

In June, it was revealed that Amidror would leave his post after a falling out with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the PMO.

“Yossi Cohen has a unique background and skill set that make him the most qualified for this important position,” Netanyahu said in a statement. “Cohen has served the State of Israel with great success in the last three decades,” he said, praising Cohen’s work with the Mossad. “He is well-versed in security matters and important international issues.”

The 52-year-old was picked over senior officers and former air force commanders due to his experience in the defense and intelligence establishments, which spans three decades.

Yossi Cohen, who's been appointed to chair Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's National Security Council (photo credit: courtesy) — Yossi Cohen, who’s been appointed to chair Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s National Security Council (photo credit: courtesy)

Amidror’s term in office was scheduled to end in November 2013, the date Israel’s general elections were originally slated to be held (before being pushed up to January), but he will step down in the next few weeks, after Cohen takes over the post.

Since joining Netanyahu’s staff over two years ago, Amidror functioned both as head of the National Security Council and as one of the prime minister’s top advisers.

Outgoing national security adviser Yaakov Amidror (photo credit: Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)

Amidror led the talks with the US ahead of the Palestinians’ turn to the UN last year, and was the point man for talks between Washington and Jerusalem regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

In addition, the former intelligence officer played a key role during Israel’s reconciliation talks with Turkey.