An active-duty IDF soldier has filed a defamation lawsuit in Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court against Kan 11 and the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation, seeking 75,000 shekels in damages over the use of his photograph in a report about a serious espionage case.
According to a report on the Seventh Eye website, Elazar Kopel claims that in April 2026, the Broadcasting Corporation's Instagram account published a report by correspondent Shelly Tefeiro about two Air Force aircraft technicians suspected of spying for an enemy state. Kopel alleges that his photograph was used as background imagery for the story, which dealt with the transfer of sensitive information about fighter jets and the collection of data on senior officials, including the IDF Chief of Staff.
Kopel, represented by attorneys Moshe Yitzhak Osditcher and Israel Ziskind, argues that family members and acquaintances immediately identified him despite partial blurring applied to the image. The lawsuit claims the photograph is identical to one previously published in a positive context in another article, making his identification certain.
The plaintiff emphasizes that attributing serious security offenses of this nature to a serving soldier severely damages his reputation and could create a real threat to his safety.
In response to a warning letter, the Broadcasting Corporation maintains it acted according to strict journalistic standards. The corporation notes that text appearing alongside the photograph clearly stated it was an illustration, and that the figure in the image was blurred to prevent identification. Kan's management argues this clarification severs any legal connection between the plaintiff and the suspects in the case.
As of this report, no defense statement has been filed by the defendants.
