IDF Soldier Sues Israeli Broadcaster Over Spy Allegations Report

An active-duty IDF soldier, Elazar Koppel, has filed a NIS 75,000 defamation lawsuit against Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC), also known as Kan 11, and the IPBC itself. The lawsuit stems from the use of Koppel's image in a report concerning a serious espionage case.

According to a report by "The Seventh Eye," Koppel claims that in April 2026, a report by correspondent Shelly Tiferet was published on the IPBC's Instagram account. This report focused on two Air Force aircraft technicians suspected of spying for an enemy state.

Koppel alleges that his photograph was used as a background for the story, which detailed the transfer of sensitive information about fighter jets and the collection of data on senior officials, including the Chief of Staff. Despite partial blurring of the image, Koppel, represented by attorneys Moshe Yitzchak Osadcher and Yisrael Ziskind, asserts that his family and acquaintances immediately identified him.

The lawsuit contends that the image used was identical to one previously published in a positive context in another report, making his identification certain. The plaintiff emphasizes that attributing such severe security offenses to a serving soldier severely damages his reputation and could pose a genuine risk to his safety.

In response to a warning letter, the IPBC stated that it acted in accordance with strict journalistic standards. The corporation noted that the image was accompanied by a clear caption identifying it as an illustration and that the figure was blurred to prevent identification. Kan's management believes this clarification severs any legal connection between the plaintiff and the suspects in the case. As of the report's date, no defense has been filed by the defendants.