Chief Censor Urges Deputy Minister Almog Cohen to Delete Controversial Post
Chief Censor Brig. Gen. Kula urged Deputy Minister Almog Cohen to delete a post on X about an IAF member. Cohen refused, citing prior public disclosure.
Chief Censor Brigadier General Kula contacted Deputy Minister Almog Cohen (Likud) to request the deletion of a post on X that allegedly disclosed classified information regarding an Israeli Air Force member. Cohen refused, arguing that the information had already been published publicly online.
The controversy began after Cohen responded to a television commentary regarding the voting patterns of residents in an Ofakim neighborhood where several people were killed during the October 7 attacks. The commentary questioned why residents of that neighborhood voted for Likud again, prompting a sharp response from Cohen that allegedly revealed a familial connection involving an IAF member.
Following the social media post, the Chief Censor called Cohen directly to demand its removal. Cohen declined, asserting that the details were already in the public domain and that authorities should address the original source first. Representatives for the deputy minister stated that no official letter or document has been received from the IDF regarding the matter.
Attorney Eyal Basarglick, speaking on behalf of Cohen, stated: "No offense was committed. The information was previously published openly on the internet by the officer's family. The deputy minister's comments were made without revealing identity, in the line of duty, and as a public expression following humiliating remarks directed at Ofakim residents and bereaved families."
Cohen's legal representation further criticized the pressure applied to the deputy minister, calling it an improper attempt at intimidation. The statement emphasized that Cohen will continue to defend the dignity of Ofakim residents and fallen victims as he has done since the outbreak of the war.
