Israeli Minister Threatens Lawsuit Against Ynet Over Report

Israel's Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has sent an urgent notice threatening a defamation lawsuit against the news website Ynet and its reporter Liran Tamari. The legal action stems from a report concerning events in the settlement of Mitzpe Jericho. Ben-Gvir alleges that Ynet published false and contradictory versions of his involvement in the incident, aiming to damage his reputation and create conflict between him and the Israel Police.

According to the notice, the reporter contacted the minister's spokesperson late at night seeking comment on an incident in Mitzpe Jericho. The reporter presented police officer testimonies claiming Ben-Gvir arrived forcefully, threatened officers, and demanded they protest publicly. The minister's spokesperson reportedly clarified that Ben-Gvir was not present at the time.

Following this, the notice claims the reporter repeatedly changed his story, initially stating the minister arrived late, then altering the times, and finally publishing a report containing falsehoods and half-truths. Ben-Gvir and his party, Otzma Yehudit, assert the publication is libelous, fabricated, and intentionally misleading, designed to harm the minister and his authority.

The notice demands Ynet immediately remove the article from all platforms and pay 1 million shekels in compensation to Ben-Gvir and Otzma Yehudit. Ben-Gvir stated the report was false and biased, intended to harm him and sow discord with the police, vowing to pursue justice in court. His office indicated that if the demands are not met, a substantial lawsuit will be filed.