Surprise in Likud Primaries: Zvika Yehezkeli Supports Dr. Edy Cohen
Zvika Yehezkeli publicly expressed support for Dr. Edy Cohen ahead of the Likud primaries: "Whoever can help him and support him – I give my recommendation." Cohen: "One must know how the enemy thinks."
The commentator on Arab affairs Zvika Yehezkeli expressed public support for Dr. Edy Cohen, who is running in the Likud primaries, and called on his viewers to assist him and support his candidacy. The remarks were made during the program 'The Arabists', in which Cohen has served for about two years as Yehezkeli's co-host.
Yehezkeli began with warm words about Cohen and their joint work, and said that alongside his happiness regarding his possible entry into politics, he struggles with the possibility that Cohen will leave the program.
"Edy Cohen is someone who sees the Arab world in the way that Orientalism teaches us – how the Arab world sees itself, through its own eyes, — said Yehezkeli. — This is so lacking, not only among Arabists but also in politics and leadership."
Yehezkeli praised Cohen's public activity and his familiarity with the Arab world, adding: "Finally there is someone who sees the Arab world and analyzes it. This is so important after the 'concept' failure." Later, he gave him explicit support ahead of the contest in Likud:
"Whoever can help Edy Cohen, go with him, support him – I give my recommendation."
Alongside the support, Yehezkeli admitted that he himself would be happy to see Cohen remain by his side in the studio: "Deep down I also want him to return to the studio. So Edy, I will wish you, whatever happens, success – but it is also sad and difficult for me to part with you if it happens." Cohen thanked him for the words and said that despite his love for the program, he believes there is a need for a different kind of presence in the Knesset as well.
"I really enjoy 'The Arabists', but there is a need in the Knesset of Israel," he said. According to him, familiarity with the Arabic language and with patterns of thought in the Middle East is necessary in the political arena as well:
"We also see what happens in the Knesset, when some Knesset members run wild in the Arabic language. I know them, I know how to talk to them, I know how to deal with them. But not only that – a sober vision is needed."
Cohen added: "One must truly know how the enemy thinks. The war is both a war on the ground and a war in public diplomacy – in consciousness and in public diplomacy." Yehezkeli concluded the conversation with wishes for success.
