Forum Demands Criminal Probe Into Channel 14 for Serious Security Censorship Violations

The Iron Swords Fighters Forum, led by retired Colonel Hanokh Dauba, has filed a detailed complaint against Channel 14 and its staff, accusing them of systematic publication of classified security information and violating censorship regulations. The complaint was submitted to Attorney General Amit Isman, Police Intelligence and Investigations Division Chief Boaz Balat, and Military Censor General Brigadier General Netanel Kola.

According to the forum, Channel 14 has for over two years engaged in a deliberate pattern of leaking sensitive military information, sometimes before operations were executed, prioritizing ratings and political influence over national security. The military censor officially ruled some of these breaches as severe, causing real security damage.

The complaint highlights several key incidents: in February 2024, presenter Shimon Riklin revealed unique intelligence-gathering equipment used by the IDF in Gaza, which the censor deemed a serious violation providing free feedback to enemies. Prior to the Beepers operation in Lebanon, commentators including Yaakov Bardugo hinted at imminent Israeli military actions, potentially compromising operational secrecy. Two days before the June 2025 "With the Lion" operation in Iran, Riklin and Bardugo alluded to an imminent strike. About a week before the Israeli airstrike in Beirut targeting Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Channel 14 broadcast reports suggesting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was considering his assassination, risking mission failure.

In March and June 2026, Riklin disclosed real-time locations of IDF forces in Lebanon, with one such leak followed by a Hezbollah attack killing four soldiers. The forum also cited breaches including revealing the arrest and Shin Bet interrogation of Bezalel Zini in January 2026 despite a gag order, and exposing Northern Command war plans to the cabinet in September 2024.

The forum demands an immediate criminal investigation into Channel 14 and its employees for unauthorized disclosure of classified information and censorship violations. They warned that if no response detailing actions taken is received within 45 days, they will consider legal measures. Dauba emphasized, "Israel cannot allow ratings and proximity to power centers to override the security of soldiers and the state. The law must apply equally to all who publish forbidden security information, regardless of identity or political affiliation."