Legal Head of Quality Government Movement Sues Over Hitler Comparison

Eliad Shraga, chairman of the Movement for Quality of Government in Israel, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Michal Peled, demanding NIS 50,000 in compensation. The suit stems from a comment Peled posted on Instagram comparing Shraga to Adolf Hitler.

Shraga's lawsuit, filed with the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court, alleges that Peled's statement was false, offensive, and severely damaging to his reputation. According to the claim, the post was intended to humiliate him, undermine his public work, and incite hatred against him online. The lawsuit emphasizes that comparing Shraga to Hitler, described as "the arch-enemy of the Jewish people," crosses a line unacceptable in modern society, especially in Israel.

The comment was made on a video edited and shared by right-wing activist Mordechai David, showing David confronting Shraga in a public space. The video was posted on June 13, 2026, and gained significant traction on social media. Shraga argues that due to the video's wide reach, Peled's comment likely reached a large audience as well.

Shraga's legal team contends that Peled's two-word comment constitutes defamation, as it could lead to public humiliation, ridicule, and harm to his profession. The lawsuit also notes that defamation laws apply to online comments and social media posts.

In addition to the NIS 50,000 in damages, which Shraga seeks without needing to prove financial loss, he is also requesting that Peled be ordered to retract her statement and issue a public apology and correction. Shraga wants the court to mandate that the apology's wording and dissemination method be coordinated with him beforehand. He is also seeking reimbursement for legal fees and court costs.