In 1973, Cohen was drafted into the Israel Defense Forces, joined the Paratroopers Brigade, and fought in the Yom Kippur War.

Cohen earned a master's degree in Jewish Studies after graduating from the Schechter Institute in Jerusalem.

[6] In addition to serving as mayor of Dimona, Cohen was also a member of the board of directors of the Jewish Agency.

In the 2021 elections, Cohen was placed third on the list of the Yesh Atid party, which ran separately from Blue and White this time.

Following the elections, a new government was established by the Yesh Atid and Yamina parties, and Cohen was reappointed as the Minister of Welfare and Social Services.