Hero of October 7, Amir Cohen, Steps Down as Central District Police Chief

Central District Police Commander, Major General Amir Cohen, has unexpectedly announced his resignation after decades of service, concluding a notable career in security. Cohen, who was severely wounded on October 7, 2023, while serving as commander of the Border Police (Magav), is leaving the police force. His departure follows a brief but intense tenure as commander of the Central District, a position he assumed in November 2025. This appointment was approved by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Inspector General Dany Levy.

During his time as Central District commander, the region faced significant challenges, particularly violent crime within the Arab community, with notable issues in Lod and Ramla. Cohen, born in 1970, joined the Border Police in 1988 and spent most of his career there, rising through the ranks to command the Border Police from 2021 to 2023. He was appointed commander of the Southern District in June 2023 and relocated to Sderot.

On the morning of October 7, 2023, Cohen was among the first to recognize the scale of the infiltration beyond rocket fire. After a call with a resident of Kfar Aza, he issued a "Palestinian invasion" alert at 6:41 AM, mobilizing forces to establish defensive lines that saved many lives. Cohen himself engaged in a fierce battle against dozens of terrorists at the Sderot police station, sustaining shrapnel wounds to his eye and two bullet wounds to his back, but refused evacuation and continued to command. He later managed incidents in Ofakim.

Cohen concluded his role in the Southern District at the end of 2024 for leave and studies. He returned to active duty in November 2025, appointed as Central District commander, replacing Major General Yair Hatzroni, who was promoted to Deputy Inspector General. At the December 2025 change of command ceremony, Cohen emphasized a policy of strong enforcement alongside citizen service.

Despite recognition for his bravery on October 7, Cohen experienced conflicts with Inspector General Dany Levy. In May 2026, during a presentation of police investigations into the October 7 events, Cohen expressed dissatisfaction with the portrayal, which included criticism of the Southern District's performance. The Inspector General reprimanded him, stating the police were obligated to present the facts and honor the families of the fallen. In the same month, Cohen opposed police assistance to the IDF in apprehending Torah students defined as "deserters," arguing the army was drawing the police into an unnecessary event and that the police should not be dictated to on task prioritization. The Inspector General clarified that the police would comply with the Supreme Court's ruling and provide assistance.

Cohen is regarded as an experienced field officer with a long operational record in the Border Police and various districts. Supporters highlight his rapid decision-making on October 7 and his willingness to fight on the front lines even while wounded.