Lawsuit Demands Criminal Probe Against Channel 14 for Security Leaks

A legal petition has been filed with Israel's Supreme Court (Baggatz) demanding a criminal investigation into Channel 14 and its employees for allegedly leaking sensitive security information during the 'Swords of Iron' war. The petition, submitted by the 'Swords of Iron Warriors' Forum, headed by retired Colonel Hanoch Daube, claims that over 13 incidents involved the exposure of classified material, despite complaints filed with law enforcement.

The petitioners allege that Channel 14 and its staff published information subject to military censorship, causing significant harm to national security in some instances. They assert that law enforcement authorities have failed to take adequate action despite detailed complaints lodged over recent months.

The petition details more than 13 specific events where sensitive security information was allegedly revealed by the channel. This includes details about intelligence-gathering assets operating deep within Gaza, real-time locations of IDF forces in Lebanon, and operational plans that had not yet been executed. In one case cited, information about IDF positions in Lebanon was published, followed by a Hezbollah attack in the same area the next day that killed four soldiers.

Further claims include the premature publication of warnings for military operations, such as the 'Beepers Operation,' the assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General, and an attack in Iran. The petitioners also point to publications that allegedly exposed operational plans, targets, and underground infrastructure. The forum notes that the Censorship Department itself has previously determined the severity of some publications, with the chief military censor reportedly calling a leak about an Iranian operation a "severe censorship violation" in a conversation with the channel's CEO.

Despite these findings, the petitioners argue, no criminal investigation has been opened. The petition names State Prosecutor Amit Isman, Deputy State Prosecutor Alon Altman, Head of Investigations and Intelligence Commissioner Boaz Balt, and Chief Military Censor Brigadier General Natanel Kula as respondents. Also named are the company operating Channel 14, its controlling shareholder Yitzhak Mirilashvili, CEO Ariel Adari, Head of News Yoram Cohen, and several on-air personalities.

The petitioners contend that the authorities' inaction demonstrates a reluctance to enforce the law, violating the principle of equality. They contrast this with other leak cases where investigations and criminal proceedings were initiated. The petition cites examples like leaked documents to the German newspaper 'Bild' and the investigation into a video leak from Sde Teiman. The forum expresses concern that the channel's publications endanger IDF soldiers by compromising operational surprise and potentially harming those sent on missions.

The petitioners are requesting the Supreme Court to intervene, order a criminal investigation into the suspicions, and advance administrative proceedings against the channel and involved individuals.