Journalist Haim Levinson Loses Defamation Suit Against Channel 14, Seeks Public Support for Legal Costs

Journalist Haim Levinson announced on Thursday that after about five years of legal proceedings, the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court ruled against him in a defamation lawsuit filed by Channel 20, now Channel 14. The court ordered Levinson to pay 10,000 shekels to the channel, plus 20,000 shekels in legal expenses. The lawsuit stemmed from a tweet Levinson posted nine days after the inauguration of Israel's "change government," criticizing the channel for continuing to portray Benjamin Netanyahu as the de facto prime minister despite Naftali Bennett assuming office.

Channel 20 argued that Levinson's tweet cast it in a "ridiculous light," damaging its reputation as a media outlet. Judge Aryeh Biton rejected the defense's claim that the tweet was satirical and protected under freedom of expression, ruling that the publication caused actual harm by humiliating and disparaging the channel as biased and unprofessional.

Following the verdict, Levinson sharply criticized the decision on Facebook, calling it an infringement on free speech and announcing his intention to appeal to the district court. He also highlighted the financial burden of the legal battle, which he has been covering personally. Levinson appealed to his followers for financial help via the Bit app to offset the mounting costs.

Within four hours, Levinson reported receiving unexpectedly generous donations, prompting him to suspend further fundraising. He expressed deep gratitude for the support, especially from those who contributed small amounts, describing the response as overwhelming and heartfelt.