Netanyahu's Defamation Lawsuit Could Backfire, Sparking Investigation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has filed a defamation lawsuit seeking NIS 2.6 million from several Israeli media outlets and journalists, including Haaretz, Channel 12, Yediot Ahronot, ynet, and reporters Shlomi Eldar, Ruti Yuval, Uri Misgav, and Nadav Eil. The lawsuit stems from reports alleging Netanyahu received a specific warning shortly before the October 7th Hamas attack. While the lawsuit is framed as a legal action, the article suggests it could serve as a political tool for Netanyahu's election campaign, potentially backfiring and becoming a "boomerang."

The lawsuit was reportedly distributed publicly before a case file was officially opened in the Jerusalem District Court, a tactic previously employed by the Netanyahus in other legal actions. The article criticizes the practice of senior politicians, especially the prime minister, initiating legal proceedings against journalists covering their public service, deeming it an "unbearable anomaly" in a democracy that risks silencing criticism.

Netanyahu's legal strategy in past cases has often relied on journalists being unable to prove the facts behind their reporting in court, particularly when relying on confidential sources. However, this current lawsuit, which demands proof of specific warnings from the UAE president and Egyptian intelligence chief, could inadvertently turn the legal proceedings into a "miniature investigation." The media outlets are expected to defend themselves by proving the accuracy of their reports.

Adding complexity, Netanyahu recently made a swift visit to the UAE to meet with President Mohammed bin Zayed. Reports suggest Netanyahu asked bin Zayed to deny the alleged phone call, a denial that would politically benefit Netanyahu's campaign and strengthen his legal defense. The article questions whether this diplomatic trip, using public resources, was for public interest or personal political and legal gain.

Legal experts anticipate that the defense will likely rely on the "responsible journalism" defense, which requires proving adherence to journalistic standards like source verification and seeking comment. Given the multiple outlets reporting on the allegations and the comprehensive investigation by Eldar and Yuval, the article suggests this defense may be strong in court, even if the political battle outside the courtroom remains uncertain.