Acting National Insurance CEO Sparks Outrage Over Autism Benefit Comments in Israel
How 4 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
First reported by Ynet · Jul 2, 2026
What happened
Zvika Cohen, acting CEO of Israel's National Insurance Institute, sparked outrage after claiming the rise in autism diagnoses is partly due to financial incentives from disability benefits. His remarks at a Jerusalem conference led to calls for his resignation from parents and lawmakers. The National Insurance Institute defended its support for autistic children and said Cohen's comments were taken out of context.
- 01Acting CEO Zvika Cohen linked rising autism diagnoses to financial incentives from disability benefits.
- 02Cohen claimed autism diagnoses double every four years, exceeding OECD trends.
- 03He criticized lack of benefit gradations and rise in private autism diagnoses.
- 04Parents and MK Tali Gottlieb demanded Cohen's resignation over his remarks.
- 05National Insurance Institute said Cohen's comments were taken out of context and defended benefits.
- 06Institute highlighted ongoing investigations into fraudulent disability claims harming the system.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 4 outlets
The same event, reported separately by each newsroom. Open a few to compare what each emphasizes — and what they leave out.
