Full Breakdown
Israeli Courts Extend Detention of Soldier and Release Holon Suspect in Separate Minor-Sexual-Offense Cases
9/8/2026, 1:19:36 PM
Extension of Detention for Bat Yam Soldier
A Tel Aviv magistrate’s court on Monday extended the pre-trial detention of a 20-year-old active-duty soldier from Bat Yam until Thursday, September 10. Police say the soldier posed online as a 16-year-old boy, first contacting girls aged 14 and 15 on TikTok before moving the dialogue to WhatsApp, where he allegedly obtained revealing photographs and later extorted the victims. Investigators assert that he was aware the girls were minors and that he concealed his true age to keep them engaged. During questioning, the suspect reportedly admitted that disclosure of his real age would have ended the conversations. Police also allege he threatened one girl with a grenade and murder of her family. The soldier’s mother informed investigators that he has special-needs and attention-concentration difficulties; his attorney has requested a psychiatric evaluation. An arrest warrant was issued on August 25, and Bat Yam police subsequently took him into custody.
Release of Holon Resident Erez Aviad Cohen
Erez Aviad Cohen, a 37-year-old Holon resident, was released from Abu Kabir detention on Monday under restrictive conditions, despite a prior extension of his custody until September 8. Police arrested Cohen on September 1 on suspicion of sexually harassing a minor or helpless person through repeated sexual propositions, and of committing an indecent act after obtaining consent through deception. A police representative disclosed that investigators believe Cohen also obstructed the probe by deleting cellphone content before it was seized. Further suspicions include that Cohen posed as a 12-year-old girl since April and joined WhatsApp groups containing girls under 10; police described the examined messages as “conversations involving persuasion, not coercion.” Cohen’s partner testified, and Cohen claimed the cellphone was not in his possession. His lawyer, Omer Adiri, emphasized that Cohen has no criminal record, has lived with his partner for 1½ years, and has undergone rehabilitation, adding that investigators had referred to him as a “pedophile” during questioning. Cohen exercised his right to remain silent.
Official Statements & Legal Actions
Police officials in both cases emphasized that investigations remain ongoing and that evidence continues to be examined. The court’s extensions of detention reflect the seriousness of the alleged offenses, while the conditional release of Cohen includes prohibitions on contacting anyone involved in the case and a requirement to report for questioning when requested.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Investigators are continuing to review the soldiers’ and Cohen’s digital communications, seized devices, and any additional evidence. A psychiatric assessment for the Bat Yam soldier is pending, and further court hearings are scheduled after the current detention periods expire.
