Jerusalem Post/Israel NewsCohen, a former police officer, was killed by an explosive device weighing about half a kilogram, which detonated while she was driving on Highway 20 in the middle of rush hour traffic.Follow us on Googlesraeli security forces inspect the scene where a car exploded on the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv, June 4, 2026.(photo credit: YEHOSHUA YOSEF/FLASH90)ByHODAYA RANJUNE 5, 2026 11:32Updated: JUNE 5, 2026 11:43Lia Malka Cohen, 35, has been identified as the victim of Thursday's Ayalon Highway car bombing, Israel Police confirmed on Friday.Cohen, an accountant and former police officer, was killed by an explosive device weighing about half a kilogram, which is suspected to have been planted in her vehicle, detonating while she was driving on the Ayalon Highway (Highway 20) near the Holon Interchange in the middle of rush hour traffic. She leaves behind a two-year-old child, who was not in the car at the time, but who was briefly feared killed when a child's car seat was found on the scene.Her cousin wrote a social media post accusing Cohen's estranged husband, saying, "Yes, it's supposedly still under investigation. But it's clear to everyone that her husband, her estranged husband, is the one who likely ordered her murder or did it himself," he wrote.He further claimed that threats had been made by the estranged husband against Cohen and her family members for a long time. "The murderer threatened her and my aunt and uncle for some time, and he continued to walk free and plan the murder. Nobody stopped him," he said.Paramedics respond to scene where vehicle was blown up on Highway 20, June 4, 2026. (credit: ISRAEL FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY)The victim's husband has been detained for questioning, Israel Police said, and his detention has been extended by 10 days until June 14.Victim, relatives, filed several complaints against estranged husband, suspected murdererWalla has learned that in recent months, several complaints have been filed against him by Cohen herself and her family members.His lawyer argued on behalf of his client that he denies his involvement and was sleeping at home at the time of the incident, Maariv reports.Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report.Follow us on Google