Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen threatens major libel suit against Channel 14

Former Shin Bet chief Yoram Cohen, now a candidate on the Yesh! With Eisenkot Knesset slate, has launched legal action over comments broadcast on Channel 14. Through the law firm Ben Tzur Korv & Co., Cohen filed a lawsuit against panelist Micha Kobi and sent a pre-litigation warning letter to the channel.

The dispute centers on a June 17, 2026 broadcast of Shimon Riklin’s program, where Kobi claimed Cohen personally pressured the prime minister to secure the release of Yahya Sinwar as part of a deal, even though the Shin Bet allegedly already knew Sinwar intended to carry out a massacre. When asked to clarify, Kobi refused to retract or qualify the claim and ended by saying, “That’s what happened.”

Cohen’s camp and his party say the allegation is a complete lie and a grave defamation. They argue that trying to pin personal and moral responsibility for the October 7 attacks on Cohen, based on fabricated facts, amounts to especially serious libel. They also say the attack is part of a broader smear campaign against the party as it emerges as a political alternative.

The letter demands that Channel 14 issue a clear public correction and apology in the same time slot on Riklin’s program within seven days. It must state that Cohen did not pressure anyone to release Sinwar and that there was no knowledge of plans for a massacre at the time of the release. The channel is also being ordered to remove the video clip, post, and all references from its website, YouTube channel, and social media, or face a lawsuit against the outlet as well.