Modi'in Illit Resident Accused of Threatening Bnei Brak Police Chief Released to House Arrest

After nearly two weeks in custody, Moshe Cohen, a 44-year-old resident of Modi'in Illit, accused of threatening the commander of the Bnei Brak police station, has been ordered by the court to be released to house arrest under restrictive conditions. Cohen faces charges related to inciting messages he posted in a WhatsApp group against Chief Superintendent Yuval Shavit, the commander of the Bnei Brak-Ramat Gan police station. The threats followed police violence against protesters on Highway 4, during which officers tore protesters' pants. The incident sparked calls from Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to dismiss the police chief. Cohen's messages included statements advocating retaliation against Shavit and likening him to a terrorist. While the court approved his release to house arrest, the police are reportedly considering appealing the decision to the district court. Cohen was initially detained following the filing of the indictment and the police's request to keep him in custody until the end of legal proceedings.