Court Again Rejects Sarah Netanyahu's Demand for Damages from Former Aide

A Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court has once again canceled a ruling that ordered Sylvie Gannessia, a former employee at the Prime Minister's residence, to pay NIS 100,000 in damages to Sara Netanyahu. This is the second time in less than a year that such a judgment has been overturned. The court's decision, made on Monday, came after Judge Ronen Ilan accepted a request from Gannessia's new attorney, Shaul Ida, to allow her to submit her legal arguments. The case, a defamation lawsuit filed by Sara Netanyahu against Gannessia over alleged libelous publications, has been ongoing for nearly six years. Gannessia is seeking NIS 400,000 in damages.

The legal battle began after Gannessia filed a lawsuit in the Labor Court alleging abusive employment practices. The defamation case has been repeatedly delayed, primarily due to Gannessia's failure to submit her closing arguments. A first ruling against her was issued on December 31, 2025, ordering her to pay NIS 100,000, after her then-attorney, Ofir Samson, failed to file the required documents despite court orders. Although the court initially canceled this ruling after Samson cited reserve duty, Gannessia again failed to submit her arguments, leading to a second ruling in May ordering the same damages. Samson was personally ordered to pay NIS 20,000 in expenses in that decision.

Following the second ruling, attorney Shaul Ida took over Gannessia's representation pro bono. He submitted the closing arguments and requested the cancellation of the judgment, arguing that the court should rule on the merits of the case after considering both sides' arguments. During a hearing last Thursday, the possibility of settling the case by withdrawing the lawsuit was discussed. Netanyahu's attorney, Yossi Cohen, stated that while the couple had previously considered dropping the defamation suit if Gannessia withdrew her labor lawsuit, this option is no longer on the table. Cohen emphasized the importance of the proceedings for setting a precedent for other employees, using the phrase 'they will see and fear.'

At the hearing, Cohen also indicated that he could present a settlement offer to the Netanyahus if Gannessia agreed to pay damages and provide a written apology. Gannessia did not agree to this proposal. Judge Ilan ultimately decided to cancel the second ruling and accept Ida's submitted arguments. The NIS 20,000 personal expense order against attorney Samson remains in effect. Cohen has until October 15 to submit his response arguments, after which the court is expected to issue a reasoned judgment.