Channel 12 Erroneously Uses Fallen Police Officer's Photo in Corruption Report

Israeli Channel 12 mistakenly used the photo of Eli Alikshvili, a Border Police officer who died in a 2023 motorcycle accident, in a report alleging corrupt political appointments within the Jewish National Fund (KKL). The report, aired on August 18, 2026, accused Shahar Maimon of receiving a "corrupt job" as a forester in northern Israel, but the image shown was actually Alikshvili's, not Maimon's. This error sparked outrage due to the insensitive misuse of a deceased soldier's image in a politically charged context.

The mistake came just one day after Channel 12 harshly criticized Channel 14 for alleged inaccuracies, highlighting a stark contrast between their accusations and their own failure to verify facts. Critics condemned Channel 12 for showing a lack of professional diligence and disrespect towards Alikshvili's memory and family. The incident raised questions about journalistic standards and sensitivity, especially given a similar error six months prior when Channel 12 incorrectly reported the death of an innocent Israeli woman in Iran.

No official response has yet been issued by Channel 12. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions in Israeli media regarding political reporting and the ethical responsibilities of news organizations when handling sensitive subjects involving fallen security personnel.