Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen has launched legal proceedings after rejecting claims aired on Israel’s Channel 14, accusing the broadcaster of allowing false and damaging allegations to be broadcast about his role in a high-profile prisoner exchange more than a decade ago.
Cohen, who is now affiliated with Gadi Eisenkot’s Yashar! political party, has also filed a lawsuit against television panelist Micha Kobi, whose comments sparked the dispute.
Claims Centered on the Gilad Schalit Prisoner Exchange
The controversy stems from remarks made during a June 17 broadcast hosted by Shimon Riklin.
During the program, Kobi alleged that Cohen had supported the release of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as part of the 2011 agreement that secured the return of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit.
Kobi further claimed that Cohen pressured then-Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to approve the agreement despite allegedly believing Sinwar would later orchestrate a large-scale attack against Israel.
Cohen Rejects Allegations as Completely False
Cohen has categorically denied the accusations, describing them as entirely fabricated and without any factual basis.
His legal representatives argue that the televised statements falsely portrayed the actions of a senior security official who served Israel for decades, seriously harming his reputation.
The legal notice maintains that the allegations have no foundation and should never have been presented as fact.
Demands Focus on Public Retraction
Rather than seeking immediate financial damages from the broadcaster, Cohen’s legal team has prioritized correcting the public record.
Attorneys from the Ben Zur Corb & Co. law firm have demanded that Channel 14 remove all broadcasts containing the disputed statements, publish a correction, issue a formal public apology, and clearly inform viewers that the allegations were inaccurate.
According to the legal filing, the objective is to ensure the claims are withdrawn and publicly identified as statements that were never true.
Separate Lawsuit Targets Panelist
In addition to the warning sent to Channel 14, Cohen has initiated legal proceedings directly against Micha Kobi over the remarks.
The move signals that Cohen intends to challenge not only the platform that aired the allegations but also the individual responsible for making them.
Political Party Links Dispute to Wider Campaign
Following the legal action, Yashar! issued a statement defending Cohen and suggesting the controversy reflects increasing political pressure as the party gains momentum.
The party argued that as its influence grows under the leadership of Gadi Eisenkot, it has become the target of intensified attacks, accusing opponents of spreading falsehoods in an effort to undermine its political rise.
For now, the dispute remains centered on Cohen’s demand for a public correction rather than financial compensation, though the legal proceedings against both the broadcaster and the panelist are now underway.
