Police Smash Window, Arrest Former Shas MK’s Son with Loaded Smuggled Pistol

Dramatic police footage shows officers smashing the window of a vehicle on Route 44 near Ramla and arresting Eli Elazar Cohen, the 45-year-old son of former Shas MK Amnon Cohen. Authorities stopped the car near the Nesher factory after receiving intelligence information. Inside a shoulder bag, officers discovered an FN pistol loaded with a magazine of 9mm ammunition. The weapon had no serial number and no license, and investigators believe it was smuggled into Israel. Cohen now faces suspicion of illegal weapons possession and conspiracy to commit a crime.

Cohen’s attorneys have argued that he feels threatened and that the pistol did not belong to him. They claim the gun belonged to individuals who had previously threatened him and killed his dog. The defense also told the court that Cohen’s partner was murdered at the Nova music festival and that he continues to suffer from post-traumatic stress. Despite these claims, a judge has extended Cohen’s detention for a third time, keeping him in custody through Tuesday while the investigation continues.

Illegal weapons, especially those without serial numbers that appear to have been smuggled, remain a serious threat to public safety in Israel. Police acted decisively on intelligence to remove a loaded firearm from the streets, demonstrating the importance of aggressive enforcement against the growing problem of unlicensed guns. The fact that the suspect is the son of a former Knesset member does not exempt him from the law, and the ongoing probe will determine the full circumstances surrounding the weapon.

Israel continues to face complex security challenges in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre, making strict control over firearms essential. Cases like this underscore why law enforcement must remain vigilant against both organized crime and any attempt to introduce smuggled weapons into the country. The investigation into Eli Elazar Cohen will proceed thoroughly, and the justice system will decide the outcome based on the evidence.