Yossi Cohen, Israel Defense Prize recipient  to replace out-going Major-General Yaakov Amidror as Israel’s latest National Security Advisor.

ByAttila Somfalvi

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to appoint Deputy Mossad Director Yossi Cohen as the new national security advisor. Cohen, 52, married and the father of four, was only known as “Y” until recently. He will be replacing Major-General Yaakov Amidror.

Mossad Emblem

Cohen has been serving in Israel’s security establishment for the past 30 years. In the last two years he served as deputy to the chief of Mossad, Tamir Pardo. He was also the director of Tzomet, the international network operation headquarters of the Mossad, and received the Israel Defense Prize.

The Civil Service Commission has already approved Cohen’s appointment, and government ministers are expected to approve the move on Sunday as well. Amidror is expected to retire in a few months, as he had coordinated with Netanyahu prior to the elections.

Embarrassing incident in Netanyahu’s statement

Lately rumors have been circulating that Amidror is seeking to retire sooner due to tension between him and Netanyahu following an embarrassing incident that was revealed in a statement Netanyahu was meant to read during a visit to Poland. The Prime Minister’s Office denies any tension between the two men. In the coming weeks, Amidror will begin transferring responsibilities to Cohen.

Netanyahu said Wednesday that Cohen’s background and special skills make him the most qualified for the role of national security advisor. “Cohen has served Israel with great success and he is well versed in many national and international security issues,” the PM said.

“I wish to thank Major-General Amidror for his service in the past two and a half years; we will surely rely on his experience and skills in the future, so he may continue to contribute to the safety and well-being of Israel.”

View original Ynet publication at: http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4420707,00.html