Senior 'Brothers in Arms' Member Sues Deputy Minister Almog Cohen for Defamation

A senior member of the Israeli organization 'Brothers in Arms' filed a defamation lawsuit against Deputy Minister Almog Cohen on Sunday, seeking 2.6 million shekels in damages. The lawsuit stems from statements Cohen made regarding the senior officer's alleged connection to the case of Asaf Shmuelovitz, known as the 'Impostor Officer.'

Last week, despite a court order prohibiting the disclosure, Cohen publicly revealed the name of one of the founders of 'Brothers in Arms' during a Knesset session. Cohen linked this officer, a senior reservist, to the Shmuelovitz affair, even though the only known connection between them was that the officer gave Shmuelovitz a ride the day after the October 7 massacre. The District Court had explicitly forbidden publishing the officer's name due to the sensitive nature of the case.

During the Knesset speech, Cohen defiantly addressed the judge who issued the gag order, stating, "I have news for you: I have faced death more than once, and if you think you can intimidate me with the prohibition on naming him, think again." Cohen accused the officer of being responsible for introducing Shmuelovitz into the Southern Command. The controversy has drawn further attention, with Minister Sofer admitting to mistakes in handling the situation.

The legal action highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the Shmuelovitz case and the public discourse about accountability within the Israeli military and political spheres. The lawsuit and court orders underscore the sensitivity and complexity of the issue as it unfolds.