Netanyahu's Wife Demands $1.3 Million Compensation in Defamation Dispute

Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is demanding 5 million shekels (approximately $1.3 million) in compensation from one of the defendants in the "can-lighting" case, Eyal Giler. This demand comes in response to a pre-lawsuit letter sent by Giler's attorney, who accused Netanyahu of defamation during a Channel 14 interview. In the interview, Netanyahu described the incident as an attempt to set fire to their home with tires and barrels, stating the intention was to kill them and others.

Giler's letter argued that Netanyahu's description misrepresented the facts, as the defendants are accused of lesser offenses than what she described. Netanyahu's lawyer, Uriel Nicai, vehemently rejected Giler's claims in a letter, calling them "baseless accusations" and a "desperate attempt" to portray the victim as the aggressor. Nicai asserted that Netanyahu's statements in the interview reflected her factual truth and her perception of a dangerous reality, and that the indictment does not negate her right to express her opinion.

Nicai further stated that instead of filing "absurd lawsuits," Giler and his associates should await their sentencing. He added that Giler's letter, intended to generate media attention during a "political smear campaign," creates grounds for a separate defamation lawsuit against him. Netanyahu's legal team intends to pursue full criminal prosecution against Giler, and following a conviction, will file a civil lawsuit.

Netanyahu will not apologize, retract her statements, or pay any amount to Giler. The demand for 5 million shekels is contingent on Giler providing this compensation to Netanyahu, at which point no lawsuit will be filed.