Bennett defamation case against TOV ends with donation settlement

A defamation lawsuit filed by Yamina party chairman Naftali Bennett against TOV TV ended Tuesday in court with a settlement that was given the force of a judgment. Bennett had sought 250,000 shekels, claiming the outlet had defamed him.

Under the agreement, TOV TV and Adam Atiyas retracted claims that 50 million shekels had been invested in the safe room at Bennett’s home. The sides also agreed that Bennett and the defendants would each donate 10,000 shekels to a charity named after Emanuel Moreno.

TOV TV said in response, “Bennett folded, did not receive an apology, and paid.” The outlet added that the court-approved wording did not include an apology from TOV.

Bennett, the former prime minister, had filed the libel suit about a year ago and demanded an apology. In the complaint, he argued that wealthy actors establish or take over media outlets to project greater seriousness and amplify their influence, and that courts should hold such outlets to accepted journalistic standards. TOV said Bennett’s payment would go as legal fees donated to the “Derech Ami” association for strengthening Jewish identity, named for Lt. Col. Emanuel Moreno.