Israeli Attorney Sues Channel 12 Over False Report on US Legal Status
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Attorney Yisrael Anden is suing Keshet Broadcasting for 50,000 shekels, alleging a false report on its mako website misrepresented his legal status in the U.S. The article claimed he was awaiting trial, but Anden states his case concluded in May 2026 with time served. He also disputes a claim about an expected indictment in Israel for fraud. Anden argues the report harms his reputation and that mako failed to seek his response before publication. He is seeking damages and a prominent correction.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Attorney Yisrael Anden is suing Keshet Broadcasting for 50,000 shekels over a false report.
- The mako website article allegedly misrepresented Anden's legal status in the U.S.
- Anden claims his U.S. legal proceedings concluded in May 2026 with time served.
- The article also stated an indictment was expected against him in Israel for fraud.
- Anden argues the report damaged his professional reputation and that mako didn't seek his response.
Attorney Yisrael Anden, 46, from Beit Shemesh, is seeking 50,000 shekels in damages from Keshet Broadcasting Company, alleging a false report on the mako website misrepresented his legal situation in the United States. Anden claims the article stated he was awaiting trial in the U.S. when the proceedings against him had already concluded months prior.
Anden, a lawyer licensed in New York, was connected to an attempted smuggling of Elazar Vygdorovitz, described in the media as the "operations officer of the Gur Hasidic sect," across the U.S. border at Niagara Falls. The lawsuit centers on an article published by journalist Shimon Ifargan on mako on October 25, 2026, which mentioned Anden in the context of Vygdorovitz being released to house arrest with an electronic tag.
The article stated Anden was "awaiting his trial in the US for the attempted smuggling of Vygdorovitz." However, Anden contends that by the publication date, his legal process had ended. He cites a May 18, 2026, notice from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of New York stating he was convicted in the border crossing case and Judge Lawrence Vilardo sentenced him to time served, meaning the criminal proceedings concluded in May 2026.
Anden also disputes a second claim in the article: "The prosecution is expected to file an indictment against him for involvement in fraud upon his arrival in Israel." He asserts that no indictment had been filed against him in Israel for the mentioned real estate case at the time of publication, nor had he been notified of any such decision. He further argues the article did not cite an updated prosecution decision supporting the expectation of an indictment.
The lawsuit argues the report damages his reputation and professional standing by portraying him as involved in an ongoing criminal case and facing potential further indictment in Israel. Anden claims mako did not contact him for a response before publication, which would have allowed him to clarify his U.S. sentencing date and his position on the potential Israeli indictment. He contacted the outlet the day after publication demanding a correction, but the disputed sentences remained in the article as of November 7, 2026.
Anden is requesting Keshet pay 50,000 shekels in damages without proof of loss and to publish a prominent correction or retraction. He is currently undergoing insolvency proceedings in Jerusalem and intends to seek court approval to pursue this lawsuit against Keshet. The provided document does not include a case number or confirmation of the lawsuit's official opening in Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court.
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