Right-Wing Activist Ordered to Pay Former IDF Spokesperson NIS 103,600
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Right-wing activist Ran Karmi Buzaglo was ordered to pay former IDF Spokesperson Avi Benyahu NIS 103,600 in damages and legal fees for defamation. Buzaglo had falsely accused Benyahu of handing over soldiers to Brazil for investigation on social media. The court rejected Buzaglo's claim that the lawsuit was an attempt to silence him, ruling instead that his own severe attacks could harm free speech. The verdict was issued on October 21, 2026.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Ran Karmi Buzaglo must pay Avi Benyahu NIS 103,600 for defamation.
- Buzaglo falsely accused Benyahu of handing soldiers over to Brazil for investigation.
- The court rejected Buzaglo's claim that the lawsuit was an attempt to silence him.
- Judge Barkai warned that severe online attacks can stifle free speech.
- The ruling was issued on October 21, 2026.
A right-wing activist, Ran Karmi Buzaglo, has been ordered by a court to pay NIS 80,000 in compensation and NIS 23,600 in legal costs to Avi Benyahu, the former IDF Spokesperson. Buzaglo had published severe accusations on social media claiming Benyahu handed over IDF soldiers for investigation in Brazil. Judge Aviam Barkai of the Magistrate's Court rejected Buzaglo's defense that the lawsuit was an attempt to silence him.
The case began approximately two and a half years ago, during the war, when Buzaglo posted on social media that Benyahu was responsible for the extradition of Israeli soldiers to Brazil for investigation, calling him "filth." Benyahu stated that after Buzaglo refused to apologize, he decided to file a defamation lawsuit.
In his ruling, Judge Barkai addressed the extent of Buzaglo's statements and their potential impact on free speech. He noted that the defendant's publications, spread across multiple posts and platforms, could actually stifle free discourse. The judge warned that if a reasonable person could be subjected to such personal attacks, they might refrain from expressing their views, fearing they would be "trampled" by the defendant. Thus, the court found the lawsuit itself did not harm free speech, but rather the severe personal attacks could damage public discourse.
The total amount Buzaglo must pay, before interest and linkage adjustments, is NIS 103,600. The ruling was issued on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Following the verdict, Benyahu expressed satisfaction, stating "Justice is finally done" and reminding his followers to "be careful with your keyboards."
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