Israeli elections 2026: Meet the parliament—MK Meir Cohen
The Hamas-led Oct. 7, 2023, massacre shattered Israelis' faith in peace with the Palestinians, Yesh Atid lawmaker Meir Cohen, who previously served as deputy Knesset speaker, told JNS in an interview at his parliamentary office…
Assessment
Yesh Atid MK Meir Cohen offers a stark insight into how the Oct. 7, 2023 massacre has reshaped Israeli political attitudes. His anecdote about Gaza Envelope residents who once supported bringing Gazan workers into Israel now seeing those same workers participate in attacks illustrates a profound shift in public trust. The statement suggests that the political landscape for the 2026 elections will be heavily defined by security and the shattered belief in coexistence. Cohen's comments point to a deep reckoning within Israeli society about the limits of previous policies toward Gaza.