Bereaved Parents Sue Former PM Naftali Bennett for $55,000

Herzl and Meirav Hagag, parents of the late Lieutenant Shir Hagag, have filed a defamation lawsuit for 200,000 shekels (approximately $55,000) against former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. The Hagags allege that Bennett falsely portrayed them as paid political activists hired to disrupt his speeches during Memorial Day ceremonies.

The lawsuit centers on an interview Bennett gave to Channel 13, where he claimed the Likud party hired individuals to disrupt his speeches. When asked if he was certain they were paid, Bennett emphatically replied, "One hundred percent. One hundred percent. Likud, here, I'm saying it, you want? Sue me." The Hagags contend that Bennett's remarks were directed at them, as their protest during the ceremonies was widely covered by the media, making their identities known.

In their lawsuit, the parents assert that Bennett's accusations are false and baseless, stating they have never received payment from any political entity for their protest. They claim their demonstration stemmed from a deep sense of betrayal regarding Bennett's promises to his voters and their strong opposition to his political cooperation with the Ra'am party. They emphasize that being depicted as politically motivated operatives harms not only their reputation but also the credibility of their long-standing public advocacy.

The Hagags are prominent figures in the bereaved families' forum "Choosing Life" and are active in public and legal battles against terror elements. They also perpetuate their daughter's memory through the 'Shir' foundation, which aids the needy. Through this lawsuit, they are seeking 200,000 shekels in damages, the removal of the offending publications, and a public apology from Bennett.