Minister Dudi Amsalem Awarded Damages in Defamation Lawsuit

A protracted legal and political dispute has concluded with a decisive court ruling in favor of Israeli Minister Dudi Amsalem. The court rejected claims made by former minister Limor Livnat and ordered her to pay Amsalem 98,500 shekels in compensation and legal expenses. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, stemmed from Livnat's public statements in interviews and publications, where she alleged that Amsalem had previously attempted to promote his associates to positions and had politically opposed her when she refused his demands.

Amsalem consistently denied these accusations, asserting they constituted a false fabrication that damaged his reputation. After approximately four years of proceedings, the court sided with Amsalem, ruling that Livnat's statements constituted libel and dismissing her defense of "truth in publication."

Following the verdict, Minister Amsalem expressed his emotion, releasing a statement detailing his legal and public victory. He reflected on his entry into politics after his wife's passing and addressed the public image he felt had been unfairly attributed to him over the years. "Along the way, for years, they tried to build an image for me. To call me a wheeler-dealer, a strongman, a thug. To tie my name to jobs and deals. I never entered politics to arrange jobs for anyone. I came to work and do good for the people of Israel," he stated.

Amsalem emphasized that the lawsuit was not pursued for revenge or financial gain. He announced his intention to donate the entire compensation amount to charities and welfare organizations he supports. "My name is not for the taking, truth is not for the taking, and justice must ultimately be seen. Now everyone can know who spoke the truth and who did not," the minister concluded.