Bereaved Parents Sue Former PM Bennett for Defamation

Herzl and Meirav Hagag, parents of the late Lieutenant Shir Hagag who was killed in a 2017 terror attack, have filed a NIS 200,000 defamation lawsuit against former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. The lawsuit, submitted to the Magistrate's Court in Rishon LeZion, alleges that Bennett implied they were paid political activists hired to disrupt his speeches during Memorial Day ceremonies.

The Hagags' claim centers on a Channel 13 interview where Bennett stated the Likud party hired paid activists with megaphones to disrupt his speeches. When asked if he was certain they were paid, Bennett responded, "One hundred percent. One hundred percent. The Likud, here, I'm saying it, want to? Sue me…". The Hagags contend these remarks were directed at them, as their protest against Bennett during Memorial Day ceremonies received significant media coverage, making their identities as protesters publicly known.

They assert that Bennett's accusations are false and baseless, emphasizing they never received payment from the Likud or any other political entity for their participation in the protest. According to the parents, their protest stemmed from a personal sense of betrayal regarding his election promises and opposition to his political cooperation with the Ra'am party. They also noted initiating a campaign against his attendance at the ceremony prior to Memorial Day.

The lawsuit argues that portraying them as politically motivated operatives damages their good name and the credibility of their public activism, which they state arises from personal conviction and their pain as bereaved parents. Herzl and Meirav Hagag are leaders of the "Choosing Life" bereaved families forum and are active in public and legal battles against entities maintaining ties with terror organizations. They also work to commemorate their daughter through the Shir foundation, which aids the needy.

The Hagags are seeking NIS 200,000 from Bennett without proof of damage, the removal of relevant publications from social media, and a public apology in the same format as the original remarks.