Court Reopens Defamation Case Against Sarah Netanyahu

A Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court has overturned a previous ruling that ordered Sylvie Ghencia, a former housekeeper at the Prime Minister's residence, to pay NIS 100,000 to Sarah Netanyahu. This marks the second time in less than a year that the court has canceled a default judgment against Ghencia.

Judge Ronen Ilan granted Ghencia's request to file her legal summaries, allowing her new attorney, Shaul Ida, to present her case. The cancellation followed Ghencia's claims of severe negligence by her previous lawyer, Ofir Samson, who allegedly failed to meet court deadlines and submit necessary documents. The court's decision came after a hearing last Thursday, where the possibility of settling the case by withdrawing the lawsuit was also discussed.

Yossi Cohen, representing Sarah Netanyahu, stated that while the Netanyahus had previously considered dropping the defamation suit if Ghencia withdrew her labor court case, that option is no longer on the table. Cohen emphasized the importance of continuing the proceedings to serve as a deterrent to other employees.

Netanyahu's lawsuit against Ghencia was filed over alleged defamatory publications, with Netanyahu initially seeking NIS 400,000 in damages. Ghencia had previously filed her own lawsuit in the Jerusalem Labor Court, alleging abusive employment practices. With the default judgment now vacated, Ghencia can submit her arguments, and the court is expected to issue a new reasoned ruling.