Bereaved Families Sue TV Host Eyal Berkovich and Channel 13 for Defamation

A group of bereaved families, who lost loved ones in the October 7th Hamas attack, have filed a NIS 500,000 defamation lawsuit against TV host Eyal Berkovich and Channel 13. The lawsuit, submitted to the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court, alleges that during Berkovich's program "Moria and Berkovich," he falsely claimed that a video released by the families was part of a campaign orchestrated by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party.

The families, represented by the "Din Ve'Tzedek" (Law and Justice) forum, state that the video, which criticized MK Gadi Eisenkot's stance on a state inquiry commission for the October 7th events, was produced independently. Berkovich, however, repeatedly asserted on air that the families were being manipulated by political actors. He stated, "This is a Likud campaign. You don't realize it. This is a Likud campaign." He also claimed, "They are being used in politics for something that is not right."

According to the lawsuit, Berkovich presented the families as puppets of political elements, despite their claims of independent initiative. The families are seeking an inquiry commission with an equitable composition that also investigates events preceding the massacre. During the broadcast, Berkovich dismissed a family member's attempt to clarify their independent motives, saying, "Against Gadi Eisenkot of their own free will?! Oh, come on! It's naive to think that, really. Naive, Inbar."

The plaintiffs assert that Berkovich's remarks created a false impression that they lacked independent opinions and were controlled by others. They argue that while criticism of their views is permissible, falsely attributing their actions to political manipulation is not. The lawsuit emphasizes that the families are not politically affiliated, do not receive political funding, and are not involved in any campaign for Netanyahu or Likud.

Attempts by Channel 13 to secure interviews with the families were reportedly met with refusal, pending a public apology. The families had previously sent a warning letter to Berkovich and Channel 13 on August 31st demanding an apology, correction, and compensation, but claim no response was received. The lawsuit highlights the damage to their reputation, particularly given their status as bereaved families seeking accountability for the October 7th events. While estimating their total damages at NIS 2 million, they are seeking NIS 500,000 plus legal expenses.