Ma'ale Adumim Mayor sues Channel 12 over investigative report

The mayor of Ma'ale Adumim, Guy Yifrach, has filed a defamation lawsuit in the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court seeking 150,000 shekels in damages from Channel 12 News and reporter Omri Maniv, following an investigative report broadcast on the network's main news edition.

According to the statement of claim published on news1, the report portrayed Yifrach as an official who pursued discriminatory policies and granted special benefits to associates. Yifrach argues that the report created a false impression among viewers that he acted for the benefit of the husband of former Knesset member Osnat Mark by granting permits that were not available to others.

The lawsuit further alleges that the investigation attributed political motives to Yifrach, suggesting he was rewarding Mark for her support during the Likud primaries. Yifrach rejects these claims, arguing that the report was false, offensive, and did not reflect the facts.

According to the mayor, he requested that the information be corrected before the report aired, but his request was denied. He maintains that the publication caused significant damage to his image and reputation.

The investigation, broadcast in May 2024, focused on the Ma'ale Adumim municipality's policy regarding the entry of Palestinian workers into the city following October 7. The report claimed that despite a general restrictive policy, a permit was granted for Palestinian workers to enter for a municipal renovation project carried out by a contractor who is the husband of former Knesset member Osnat Mark. The investigation raised questions regarding the circumstances of the permit and a potential link to Mark's political support for Yifrach. At the time, both Yifrach and Mark rejected the allegations, stating that the permit was issued under a policy that allowed entry for other contractors working on public projects as well.

No statement of defense has yet been filed on behalf of Channel 12 News or reporter Omri Maniv.