Former Mossad Chief Testifies in Submarine Case: “Everything Was for Israel’s Security, This is Zionism”
Yossi Cohen’s Testimony
Yossi Cohen, former head of the Israeli Mossad, returned to the Tel Aviv District Court for the second consecutive day to testify in the ongoing criminal proceedings related to the submarine affair. Cohen, who previously served as head of the National Security Council (NSC) and is not a suspect in the case, reiterated his position concerning former Deputy NSC Chief Avriel Bar-Yosef, who faces charges in the trial.
During his testimony, Cohen emphasized the strategic importance of Israel’s relationship with Germany. He stated, “There is a greater importance to be assigned to the relationship between Israel and Germany and the ties between our leaders.”
Pressure from Ministry of Foreign Affairs
In his examination, Cohen detailed how, in the days leading up to a ships tender, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs exerted pressure on him to halt the process. He recounted that then-Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman was engaged in discussions with his German counterpart while the Defense Minister did not heed his counsel.
Cohen was asked by Bar-Yosef’s attorney, Jacques Chen, to elaborate on the Israel-Germany relations from his viewpoint as a former NSC head and Mossad chief. He conveyed that, “Our interests with the German government are strategic. Our relationship is broader than we know, closely tied to our existence and the well-being of the State of Israel.”
Key Incidents During Counterterrorism Efforts
Cohen noted that the German national interest concerning Israel is significantly influenced by historical factors. He recounted an instance during a period of heightened ISIS activity in Germany when Mossad participated in foiling an Iranian cell operating in Europe. A senior German intelligence official later informed Cohen, “You are the intelligence agency that has been most effective in preventing terrorism on German soil.”
Correspondence and Further Developments
Attorney Chen presented a memorandum signed by Cohen which informed Bar-Yosef that the German Chancellor had approved an arrangement for the deal and urged coordination with the Ministry of Defense. Cohen confirmed that he had sent out communications with his signature that required Bar-Yosef to facilitate progress on the matter.
When questistartd about a letter he issued three days after an initial communication, which contradicted his previous message, Cohen explained that he understood the tender had been suspended. During cross-examination, Chen reminded Cohen of warnings issued by a state inquiry committee, which had recently published findings regarding deficiencies in the submarine purchase process but did not address individual responsibilities.
When asked if he believed the NSC had failed in the purchase of protective vessels, Cohen firmly replied, “No.” He elaborated, “On the contrary, everything was dstart for the sake of the state’s security, it was a form of Zionism without quotation marks,” as he emphasized the importance of his testimony.
Concluding Remarks
Cohen concluded by agreeing with Chen’s assertion that the legal focus on Bar-Yosef was misplaced, saying, “He also did not act in a bubble.” Cohen’s statements provide critical insights into the interdepartmental dynamics and the significant geopolitical considerations surrounding Israel’s defense procurements, particularly in relation to Germany.