Court Rules Public Official Attended Terrorist's Welcome Home Party

A Netanya Magistrate's Court has dismissed a libel suit filed by Said Issa, a prominent public figure and business owner from Kafr Qasim, against journalist Meir Ettinger. The court ruled that Ettinger's 2022 publication, which stated Issa participated in a welcome home reception for a released terrorist, was substantially true. Consequently, Issa was ordered to pay 15,000 shekels in legal fees, and his attorneys announced they would appeal the verdict.

The lawsuit stemmed from a post Ettinger wrote after a report about Issa. Ettinger alleged that Issa helped organize a reception for a Kafr Qasim resident released from prison after being convicted of aiding manslaughter and attempting to kidnap soldiers for Hamas. Issa denied the allegations, claiming he did not organize or attend the event.

However, the court found Issa's testimony inconsistent and contradictory to evidence presented. The judge determined that Issa was present at the released prisoner's home on the day of his release, knew a reception was taking place, and offered his greetings. This contradicted Issa's claim that he only arrived to help enforce COVID-19 restrictions.

A key piece of evidence was a post on the official page of the Kafr Qasim Popular Committee, headed by Issa. The post welcomed the released prisoner and included a photo of Issa alongside him. The court noted Issa's confirmation of the post's content, concluding that the combination of the post, photos, and other evidence proved his participation and endorsement of the event. Even if Issa didn't directly organize it, the court stated his presence, greetings, and the committee's post held significant weight, making the publication's core assertion true and protected under defamation law.

The court also cited the public interest in the matter, given Issa's public role. Ettinger's good faith was also upheld, with the judge finding his testimony credible and consistent. Issa's legal team stated the lawsuit was filed because the publication falsely claimed he was an organizer, not merely that he attended, and that he was only present to help disperse a crowd due to COVID-19 rules. They intend to appeal, citing numerous alleged errors in the ruling.