Sara Netanyahu Demands $1.3 Million in Defamation Suit Over Arson Remarks

Sara Netanyahu is demanding 5 million shekels (approximately $1.3 million USD) in compensation from Eyal Giler, one of the defendants in the "can arson" case, after he sent her a letter threatening a defamation lawsuit. The dispute stems from comments Netanyahu made during an interview on Channel 14, where she described the incident as an attempt to set fire to tires and barrels placed around her home with the intention of killing her and others.

Giler's letter argues that Netanyahu's description of the event, which involved setting fire to trash cans in Jerusalem, was inaccurate. He claims the defendants are accused of lesser offenses than what Netanyahu alleged, and that her statements constitute defamation. Netanyahu's legal team, led by attorney Yossi Nizri, has rejected Giler's claims outright, calling his letter a "desperate, cynical, and role-reversing attempt to turn the victim into the accuser." They assert that Netanyahu's statements reflected her factual understanding and opinion of the events, and that the indictment does not negate her right to express her perspective.

Netanyahu's response further states that her description of the threat to her life was a reflection of a dangerous reality she and her family faced. Her legal team suggested that instead of filing "absurd and reality-detached lawsuits," Giler and his associates should await their sentencing. They also accused Giler of attempting to generate media headlines amidst a "political smear campaign."

Netanyahu's attorneys declared that she will not apologize, retract her statements, or pay any amount to Giler. Instead, they intend to pursue full criminal prosecution against him. Following a potential criminal conviction, they plan to file a civil lawsuit. However, they stated that if Giler transfers the 5 million shekel compensation to Netanyahu, no lawsuit will be filed. This is the third such letter or lawsuit filed against Netanyahu concerning her remarks in the Channel 14 interview.