Court Orders Limor Livnat to Pay Dudi Amsalem NIS 98,500 in Defamation Case

A Jerusalem court has ruled in favor of Minister Dudi Amsalem in a defamation lawsuit he filed against former Minister Limor Livnat. The court awarded Amsalem NIS 85,000 in damages, plus NIS 10,000 in legal fees and NIS 3,500 in court costs, totaling NIS 98,500. Livnat's defense of "truth in publication" was rejected.

The lawsuit, filed in 2020, stemmed from statements Livnat made concerning political events that occurred over two decades prior. In her publications, Livnat allegedly accused Amsalem of attempting to promote appointments of associates and engaging in political activity after she refused his requests. Amsalem denied these claims, asserting they were false stories that had escalated over the years, damaging his reputation and integrity.

The court examined the various accounts presented throughout the proceedings and was not convinced that the factual basis required for the "truth in publication" defense had been proven. Consequently, Livnat was ordered to pay the damages and costs.

Furthermore, the court stipulated that if Livnat publishes a new edition of her book, she must remove the specific claims that were the subject of the lawsuit. Amsalem stated that the legal battle was not about money but about "truth and my name," emphasizing that Livnat had repeatedly made "difficult and false accusations" against him. He added that while criticism is acceptable, fabricating stories and expecting silence is not, asserting that "my name is not up for grabs. The truth is not up for grabs. Today, justice has been done."