Ben-Gvir Sues Gadi Eisenkot for Defamation Over Podcast Remarks
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir is suing MK Gadi Eisenkot for NIS 100,000 in damages, alleging defamation over podcast remarks that falsely linked Ben-Gvir to violent and racist messages. Eisenkot's party reportedly refused to retract the statements.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Ben-Gvir filed a NIS 100,000 defamation suit against MK Gadi Eisenkot.
- The suit claims Eisenkot linked Ben-Gvir to violent and racist messages on a podcast.
- Eisenkot allegedly referenced TikTok videos with hateful slogans.
- Ben-Gvir denies promoting violence or hate speech.
- The interview received over 1.4 million views on the party's YouTube channel.
- Eisenkot and his party refused to retract the statements.
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has filed a NIS 100,000 defamation lawsuit against Knesset Member Gadi Eisenkot and his party, "Yisrael Im Eisenkot." The lawsuit, submitted to the Jerusalem Magistrate's Court, centers on statements Eisenkot made during a "Kan 11" podcast titled "How to Do Things." Ben-Gvir alleges that Eisenkot's remarks falsely attributed severe messages and actions to him.
According to the lawsuit, during an interview published on July 28 and 31, 2026, Eisenkot discussed violent online discourse and politicians who exploit it. He referenced TikTok videos targeting youth containing messages like "The only way is to kill" and "A good Arab is a dead Arab," as well as content about the use of force and bullying. Eisenkot then stated, "And when I look at the phenomenon called Itamar Ben-Gvir," which Ben-Gvir's suit claims directly linked him to these violent messages.
Ben-Gvir asserts that the statements falsely implied he disseminated violent videos, promoted calls for killing, endorsed the phrase "A good Arab is a dead Arab," and encouraged force and bullying. He argues these are factual falsehoods, not opinions, and that he has never published, promoted, or distributed such content. The lawsuit contends that attributing these messages to the National Security Minister and party leader could damage his reputation and public standing.
The suit also highlights the interview's reach, noting its distribution on various Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation platforms and its upload to the "Yisrael Im Eisenkot" party's YouTube channel. As of September 3, 2026, the interview had garnered 10,698 views on the broadcaster's channel and 1,445,337 views on the party's channel.
Before filing, Ben-Gvir's legal representative demanded the removal and retraction of the statements. The defendants reportedly refused these demands on August 27, 2026. Ben-Gvir is seeking NIS 100,000 in damages without proof of loss, removal of the offending segment from all controlled platforms, and a prominent public correction and retraction. The lawsuit also includes a request for legal costs and attorney fees, with the defendants required to file a defense within 60 days.
Mentioned
