Bereaved Mother Sues Ultra-Orthodox Provocateur Over Smear Campaign

Iris Haim, mother of the late Yotam Haim who was mistakenly killed by IDF forces in Gaza after escaping Hamas captivity, has filed a lawsuit for approximately 170,000 shekels against ultra-Orthodox provocateur Dov Halbertal. The legal action stems from "harsh and offensive" statements Halbertal published about Haim on Facebook, following reports of her potential inclusion in the Likud party's Knesset list.

Halbertal described Haim as "a seeker of honor and publicity who has only shone since her son's murder." He further alleged that she "likely planned her entire path to politics in advance and is trampling on the blood of her son, who commanded world celebrity for her." He concluded his post with the words, "On her son's grave she will write: 'How good it is that you were murdered.' What kindness Hamas did for her."

In response to the publication, Haim chose to reply with a public post, refuting his claims. "No one has approached me, neither from Likud nor from any list or party, and even if they did, the answer would be negative. The main thing is to write bad and disgusting things about me without even checking," she stated.

The lawsuit notes that Haim, against her will, has become a figure seeking to bring unity to the Israeli people. It also emphasizes that Halbertal's offensive publication occurred shortly after she received preliminary approval to have a child from Yotam's sperm. Her lawyers stress that Halbertal's writings were not an accidental act of anger, but a deliberate effort to harm her and tarnish her name.