Prime Minister Netanyahu names intelligence organization's 12th director Monday, opts for religious candidate. Cohen to replace Yuval Diskin, who will end six-year term in May
Ronen Medzini

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu named Yoram Cohen the next Shin Bet director Monday evening.

Cohen will take over for Yuval Diskin, who has served in the position for the past six years.

In Monday's announcement, which was televised for the first time in Israel's history, Netanyahu said that Cohen "joined the Shin Bet over 30 years ago and has served in a variety of positions.

He rose to the rank of deputy chief, where he served for three years. Yoram has been on the forefront of Shin Bet operations during these years, and especially over the past few years."

The new Shin Bet chief, added the prime minister, "Is someone who has been in the filed. He has grown from it and knows it.

"I am convinced he is also familiar with the challenges we face. I am convinced he possesses the abilities, the experience and the leadership necessary to meet these challenges. I am sure everyone joins me is wishing Yoram the best of luck in his new position. His success will be ours."

Diskin, who has been in office for the past six years, is set to retire in May.

Cohen, who will serve as the intelligence organization's 12th chief, will take office during a tumultuous time in the Middle East, especially on the Palestinian front.

Cohen (51) is religious and resides in Jerusalem. He spent his military service with the Golani Brigade and joined the Shin Bet in 1982. he started his career in the organization as a security officer and a field coordinator in the Ramallah and Binyamin sectors. He was later named head of the Judea District anti-terror division.

I am very happy Cohen is religious.

The further proof will come when he cuts down on the anti Jewish section of the Shin Bet.