BREAKING NEWS

Netanyahu: Former Mossad head Yossi Cohen met Arab leaders on hostages

Former Mossad head Yossi Cohen met with a leader in the Arab world on the subject of the Gaza hostages with the approval of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the latter's office confirmed Sunday evening.

Cohen also held several diplomatic meetings and is in direct contact with National Security Council head Tzachi Hanegbi, the Prime Minister's Office said.

This is the first confirmation from Netanyahu of Cohen's active involvement in hostage release negotiations, having previously released a statement saying the only avenue for hostage negotiations is coordinator Gal Hirsch.