Netanyahu’s office says ex-Mossad chief ‘initiated meeting with an Arab leader,’ had PM’s approval

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and then-Mossad head Yossi Cohen during a toast for the Jewish new year on October 2, 2017. (Haim Zach/GPO/File)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (left) and then-Mossad head Yossi Cohen during a toast for the Jewish New Year on October 2, 2017. (Haim Zach/GPO)

After the Mossad and an Israeli official expressed criticism earlier in the day of Yossi Cohen’s activities around the release of hostages, the Prime Minister’s Office says the former Mossad chief “initiated a meeting with an Arab leader with the prime minister’s approval.”

“He also held a number of meetings on a diplomatic issue and remained in touch with the national security adviser,” the statement continues.

The statement seems to addressing earlier insinuations that Cohen was acting outside the proper channels.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.