Sara Netanyahu Lawsuit Against Media Outlets Settled, Continues Against Telegram Channel

A significant development occurred in the defamation lawsuit filed by Sara Netanyahu against Channel 12's news company, Kan, and reporter Omri Maniv. During a court hearing on Sunday, Netanyahu and the media organizations reached a settlement, which is expected to result in the legal proceedings continuing only against Udi Mizrahi, manager of the "Hadashot BeZman" (News in Time) Telegram channel. The lawsuit centers on publications alleging that Sara Netanyahu shared sensitive security information with acquaintances, including details about the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah before it occurred.

At the hearing's outset, Judge Winshel suggested that Netanyahu's attorney, Uriel Hor Nizri, and the legal representatives of the media entities resolve the dispute amicably. Following this, the parties agreed to a settlement, though its full terms were not disclosed. This agreement does not constitute a judicial ruling on the veracity of the disputed publications.

Concurrently, claims against Udi Mizrahi, who published one of the central reports, were examined. Mizrahi testified that the information reached him through a chain of individuals, including Vered Gross, whom he described as Sara Netanyahu's close friend. He stated the information was relayed to him via Gross's grandson, who would reportedly ask his grandmother, who in turn would ask Netanyahu. Sara Netanyahu, present in court, reacted with a chuckle to this testimony.

Mizrahi also addressed the timing of the Nasrallah assassination report, claiming he received the information before the event. He asserted that publications from this source were accurate, including a report three days prior to the assassination stating Nasrallah's days were numbered. When questioned by the judge about how he obtained specific timing details, Mizrahi stated he did not speak directly with Gross but described her as "talkative" and "charming and reliable." He admitted to realizing the information was potentially dangerous but wished to protect Gross.

Further reports from the hearing indicated Mizrahi also discussed information regarding a potential military incursion into Lebanon, which he also reported to the mayor of Kiryat Shmona. He reiterated that the information was obtained via Gross's grandson and grandmother. Mizrahi claimed he did not know the exact date of the incursion but insisted on the accuracy of his publications. He also faced accusations of turning a conversation with a 15-year-old into an intelligence source, to which he responded that the grandson's grandmother was "boastful."

Mizrahi testified that he eventually understood the information's sensitive security nature and attempted to alert security forces. He stated he informed IDF officials before an interview that he was prepared to reveal his information due to its dangerous implications. He claimed he did not approach Gross directly to avoid harming her and only became exposed due to the lawsuit. He also stated he passed information to the Military Intelligence Directorate (מחב"ם) and Censorship on December 1st.

Conversely, Sara Netanyahu confirmed knowing Vered Gross and meeting and speaking with her occasionally, but she denied providing her with security information regarding anticipated attacks in Iran or the Nasrallah assassination. "I do not participate in security discussions and do not have access to security information," she stated. Netanyahu also announced she does not intend to call witnesses, leaving the court with two conflicting accounts: Mizrahi's claim of information flow through Gross and Netanyahu's denial of sharing sensitive security details. The settlement with the media organizations narrows the legal dispute but does not conclude the entire process, as the case against Mizrahi will continue, with his testimony and its sources remaining central to the controversy. No judicial decision has yet been made regarding the accuracy of Mizrahi's information, its origin from Sara Netanyahu, or whether the publications constitute defamation.