Suspect in Leah Malka Car Bomb Murder Released to House Arrest Amid Investigation Deadlock

Chen Cohen, the ex-partner of Leah Malka who is suspected of murdering her in a car bomb explosion on the Ayalon Highway near the Holon interchange, will be released to house arrest due to a deadlock in the investigation. The police stated that based on the current evidentiary foundation, the investigative unit decided to release Cohen to full house arrest. They emphasized that this decision does not indicate the end of the investigation or the removal of suspicion, and the inquiry continues intensively with additional investigative actions.

Following the incident, the investigation was transferred to the Central Unit of the Central District by Police Commissioner Major General Danni Levi and Central District Commander Commissioner Amir Cohen. Chen Cohen was arrested on the same day for involvement in the murder. Leah Malka's father, Yaakov Malka, revealed that Leah had filed a police complaint against her ex-partner months earlier for threats. Yaakov, a restaurant owner in Bat Yam and former owner of a "Shifudei Tzipora" branch, described Leah as a kind and amazing woman who dedicated her life to her family and others and worked for 14 years at a major accounting firm.

The suspicion against Cohen includes allegations that he enlisted criminals from organized crime groups with the capability, experience, and knowledge to carry out a bombing assassination. Cohen denies all charges against him.