Court Orders Journalist Hadas Steif to Pay NIS 600,000 to Efi Naveh

A court has ordered journalist Hadas Steif and Galei Tzahal (Army Radio) to pay NIS 600,000 in damages to former Bar Association chairman Efi Naveh. The ruling comes seven and a half years after Naveh filed a lawsuit against Steif and the radio station for invasion of privacy. The court found Steif and Galei Tzahal jointly and severally liable for NIS 450,000 of the damages, plus expenses, determining the state bears vicarious responsibility for Steif's actions.

The ruling means Naveh can collect the full amount from either Steif or Galei Tzahal, or both. Lawyer Amir Titunovich explained that while the state is responsible, Galei Tzahal could pay on Steif's behalf, though legal justification might be needed. It's possible an arrangement exists between Steif and her employer, the Ministry of Defense, regarding payment distribution.

In addition to the damages, the state must pay NIS 50,000 in legal fees to Naveh's lawyers, while Steif personally must pay NIS 90,000 in legal fees. Steif also faces an additional NIS 25,000 for a Facebook publication and NIS 5,000 in related legal fees.

The case originated in January 2019 when Naveh's phone was hacked and personal content was published by Steif on Galei Tzahal. A police investigation into the incident was closed. Naveh had initially sued for NIS 7 million.

The court dismissed claims against other journalists involved in the broadcast, stating they acted in good faith. However, regarding Steif, the judge ruled her actions constituted a severe invasion of privacy, calling her "the initiating and mediating factor who initiated and promoted the breach of password-protected devices... Steif's actions are criminal in nature due to her central role."

Naveh stated his intention to pursue Steif's personal liability for the awarded compensation, emphasizing the court's clear finding that the phone breach was a severe privacy violation initiated by Steif. Steif's lawyer, Dudi Zilberboim, countered that Steif's primary goal was journalistic investigation into public interest matters, specifically alleged impropriety in judicial appointments. He noted the court did not award damages for financial loss and that they are considering an appeal.