Bereaved Parents Sue Former PM Naftali Bennett for NIS 200,000

Herzl and Meirav Hagag, parents of the late Lieutenant Shir Hagag, have filed a NIS 200,000 defamation lawsuit against former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. The Hagags allege that Bennett falsely presented them as paid political activists hired by the Likud party to disrupt his speeches during Memorial Day ceremonies. The lawsuit centers on an interview Bennett gave to Channel 13, where he claimed the Likud was "hiring people with megaphones" and stated with "100 percent" certainty that they were paid. The Hagags assert that Bennett's remarks were clearly directed at them, as their protest during the ceremonies had been widely covered by the media, making their identities known. They emphasize that these accusations are baseless and that they have never received payment from any political entity for their protest. According to the lawsuit, their protest 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 argue that being portrayed as politically motivated operatives damages not only their reputation but also the credibility of their long-standing public advocacy. The Hagags are prominent figures in the "Choosing Life" bereaved families forum and are active in public and legal struggles against terrorist elements. They also perpetuate their daughter's memory through the 'Shir' foundation, which aids the needy. In their suit, they are seeking NIS 200,000 in damages, the removal of the offending publications, and a public apology from Bennett.