Geulah Cohen: Israeli nationalist politician, activist and founder of Tehiya

Early life and background

Cohen was born in the Yishuv era and came of age during the final years of the British Mandate. She entered public life as a journalist and campaigner, becoming a recognizable voice in right‑of‑center circles. Her early career combined reporting, political organizing and activism on issues related to national security and Jewish settlement.

Political career

She served as a member of the Knesset from 1972 until 1992. During that period she represented different political groupings on the Israeli right and in 1979 took part in founding the Tehiya party, formed in opposition to territorial concessions and to press for a firm stance on Israel’s frontiers. In parliament she was known for outspoken speeches, persistent advocacy of settlement policies and a combative style toward political opponents.

Views, activities and recognition

Cohen’s politics were shaped by a firm commitment to a nationalist interpretation of Israel’s future and to maintaining Jewish presence in contested areas. Beyond legislative work she remained active as a public intellectual and columnist. In 2003 she was awarded the Israel Prize, one of the country’s highest civilian honors, in recognition of her public and national contributions.

After leaving the Knesset she continued to write, speak and influence debates on security and settlement policy. Her public career spanned the formative decades of the state and touched on many of the central controversies in Israeli politics.

Notable facts

• Founder and leader within the Tehiya party, a right‑wing nationalist formation.
• Long-serving parliamentarian who shaped settlement and territorial debates.
• Recipient of the Israel Prize in 2003 for lifetime public contribution (award details).
• Born in Tel Aviv and active in public life throughout the state’s early decades.
• Remembered as a prominent and polarizing figure of the Israeli right.