Top Police Commander, Seen as Potential Next Commissioner, Resigns

Commander of the Central District of the Israel Police, Major General Amir Cohen, announced on Thursday his intention to retire from the police force after 38 years of service. Cohen, who was appointed to his current role after serving as commander of the Southern District on October 7 and was wounded fighting Hamas terrorists, was considered a leading candidate for the position of the next Police Commissioner. His departure comes as the current commissioner's term is set to end this summer, with the possibility of an extension by the next government.

Cohen was appointed commander of the Southern District about two months before October 7, 2023. On the morning of the Hamas attack, as thousands of terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory, Cohen commanded police officers engaged in dozens of battles across the southern region. He personally fought terrorists and sustained injuries during the clashes. "I had the privilege of leading the Maccabees of our generation, the policewomen and policemen of the Israel Police, in the battles of containment that prevented the spread of the massacre. Until my last day, I will carry the fallen in my heart, the wounded in body and soul, and I will be grateful for the opportunity to serve the country in the uniform of the Israel Police," Cohen stated.

In April 2024, it was reported that Cohen had prohibited his officers from cooperating with the military's investigation into the events of October 7 without prior approval from the State Comptroller, who is also examining the events. Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir commented on Cohen's resignation, calling him "one of the heroes of October 7th" and wishing him success in his future endeavors. Ben-Gvir has also been critical of the current Police Commissioner, reportedly stating that the commissioner is "controlled by the Attorney General."