Channel 12 Leaks Spark Outrage, Accused of Endangering National Security

Channel 14's "Israel Hayom" program fiercely criticized Channel 12's decision to broadcast sensitive information regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's secret visit to the UAE, even as his plane was still airborne.

Host Tal Meir and panelists condemned the news outlet for allegedly bypassing military censorship and revealing classified details, suggesting they "think the country belongs to them." Political correspondent Moti Castel highlighted a pattern of leaks throughout the ongoing war, urging an end to actions that compromise national security. He recalled previous instances where leaks from cabinet meetings provided Hamas with direct intelligence on attendees, discussions, and operational methods, noting that investigations into these breaches have been insufficient.

Castel expressed doubt that the current complaint, along with requests from the Shin Bet and a position paper from the Mossad, would lead to significant change. He also referenced past leaks concerning operations in Iran, hoping this latest breach, which he deemed extreme, would finally prompt action to protect national security and protected individuals.

Meir emphasized the severity of the broadcast, noting that the Prime Minister, his wife Sara Netanyahu, the head of the Mossad, and the military secretary were on the plane. She attacked Channel 12's news division for overriding the censor's explicit instruction to withhold the story, arguing they acted unilaterally under the guise of it being a political rather than security matter.

Panelists echoed the criticism. Activist Simon Gafman asserted that some media outlets resort to extreme measures to undermine the elected government, willing to "do anything to bring down the right-wing government, including endangering the Prime Minister's life and exposing sensitive information to the enemy."

Attorney Dana Yaffe recalled how previous broadcasts preceding Israeli strikes caused widespread national security damage and questioned the lack of stringent investigations into such offenses. Attorney Efraim Demari addressed claims of systematic defiance of security bodies, stating that ignoring censorship orders has become a pattern where political aims override democratic principles. He linked these actions to past leaks of sensitive security footage, arguing they harm morale and national interests, and called for public discernment in media consumption and for elected officials to take a firm stance against media outlets damaging the security establishment.