Husband of Murdered Israeli Woman Indicted for Threats Amidst Ongoing Murder Investigation

Chen Cohen, husband of the late Leah Cohen who was killed in a car bombing on June 4, has been indicted on three counts of threats against Leah and her father, Yaakov Malka. The indictment was filed at the Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court on Sunday, coinciding with Cohen's release to house arrest due to a deadlock in the murder investigation. Authorities suspect Cohen orchestrated the murder through criminal contacts, though he denies involvement and refused to become a state witness.

The indictment includes threatening messages Cohen sent, such as "Tomorrow is your judgment day" to Leah and violent threats to her father. Leah’s cousin, Tom Nisani, criticized the police for delays and investigative failures, noting the threats dated back to March, giving ample time for preparation. The police stressed that Cohen’s release does not indicate the investigation’s end, which continues intensively.

Leah’s father expressed frustration over the unresolved case and accused Cohen of neglecting their two-year-old daughter, who was fortunately not in the car during the bombing. Cohen’s lawyers stated he wishes to return to his life and care for his daughter, a desire met with skepticism by Leah’s family. Leah’s family has no criminal record, and her mother is a retired police officer. The case remains under active investigation with further inquiries ongoing.