Bennett Sued for NIS 200,000 by Bereaved Parents Over Remarks

Herzl and Meirav Hajjaj, parents of the late Lieutenant Shir Hajjaj who was killed in a 2017 terror attack in Jerusalem, have filed a NIS 200,000 defamation lawsuit against former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. The couple alleges that statements Bennett made in a Channel 13 interview falsely implied they were paid by the Likud party to disrupt his memorial day speeches, thereby damaging their good name.

Bennett, in turn, denies that his remarks were directed at bereaved families. The lawsuit was filed at the Rishon LeZion Magistrate's Court following an interview with journalist Omri Assenheim. During the interview, Bennett discussed protests against him during his premiership, claiming the Likud hired paid activists to disrupt his memorial day speeches. When asked if he was sure the activists were paid, he stated, "One hundred percent. One hundred percent. Likud, here, I'm saying it, please, want to? Sue me. Likud hires paid thugs all these years to disrupt my memorial day ceremony when I am prime minister."

The Hajjajs contend that although Bennett did not name them, the public could infer he was referring to them due to extensive media coverage of their protests against him at memorial day ceremonies. Their lawsuit asserts that being portrayed as "paid thugs" is a false accusation, and they never received payment from any political entity for their participation in the protest. The parents emphasize their protest stemmed from opposition to Bennett's political conduct and his alleged broken promises to form a right-wing national and Zionist government, citing his political cooperation with Ra'am as a primary reason for their dissent.

They argue their actions were a personal initiative driven by their pain and beliefs, not a politically motivated or paid activity. The lawsuit states the publication harmed not only their reputation but also the credibility of their long-standing public and social activism. The couple, who are leaders of the "Choosing Life" bereaved families forum, are involved in public and legal battles and work to memorialize their daughter through the Shir foundation, which aids the needy.

Before filing the suit, the Hajjajs sent Bennett a warning letter demanding an apology and compensation. A response from his legal representatives rejected their claims, stating his interview remarks were not directed at the Hajjaj family or bereaved families in general. "Your letter is based on the assumption that the former prime minister's words were directed at our clients. This assumption is mistaken and unfounded, and it is clear to everyone that the statements made were not directed at bereaved families," the response read. Bennett's representatives added that he holds bereaved families, including the Hajjaj family, in high regard and appreciates their contribution to the country. Despite the rejection, the couple decided to pursue legal action, seeking NIS 200,000 in damages without proof of loss, an order for Bennett to remove the interview from distribution platforms, and a public apology in the same format as the original remarks.