Chef Tom Aviv Ordered to Pay Model Agent Shai Avital NIS 360,000 for Defamation

A Tel Aviv court has upheld a NIS 360,000 defamation judgment against chef Tom Aviv, ordering him to pay the sum to model agent Shai Avital. Aviv had sought to delay the execution of the ruling, but his request was denied by the District Court.

The legal battle began in November 2025 when Avital filed a libel suit following a video Aviv posted on social media containing various accusations against him. In February, Aviv was issued an ex parte judgment for failing to file a defense on time, obligating him to pay the full claim amount plus legal fees.

In August, a Magistrate's Court ruled that the judgment could be canceled if Aviv paid NIS 10,000 in expenses by September 24. However, instead of making the payment, Aviv filed a request for leave to appeal on the final day. Avital's legal representative then urged the court to reinstate the original judgment and resume proceedings.

Aviv's subsequent urgent request for a stay of execution, citing a technical delay in payment due to the Sukkot holiday recess, was summarily dismissed by Judge Yechiel Eliyahu. The judge noted the request lacked a proper affidavit and stated that appellate courts rarely intervene in expense decisions, especially when appeal prospects are slim.

Consequently, the original ruling is now fully in effect. Aviv must pay Avital NIS 360,000, plus linkage and interest, along with NIS 21,977 plus VAT in legal fees. Enforcement proceedings to collect the debt have also resumed.