Journalist Raviv Drucker Wins Defamation Suit Against HaTzel
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Journalist Raviv Drucker has won a defamation case against Yoav Eliasi, also known as HaTzel, with a Herzliya court dismissing the suit and ordering Eliasi to pay NIS 25,000 in legal costs. The court found Drucker's claims that Eliasi is a propaganda tool to be true. Eliasi, though vowing to appeal, acknowledged learning that statements can be considered opinion and not defamation, while also accusing the judge of bias.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Journalist Raviv Drucker won a defamation lawsuit against Yoav Eliasi (HaTzel).
- Eliasi must pay NIS 25,000 in legal fees and expenses.
- The court ruled Drucker's claims of Eliasi being a propaganda arm were true.
- Eliasi stated he will appeal the decision to the District Court.
- Eliasi acknowledged learning that statements can be considered opinion, not defamation.
A Herzliya Magistrate's Court has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Yoav Eliasi, known as HaTzel, against journalist Raviv Drucker. The court ruled in favor of Drucker on Monday, ordering Eliasi to pay NIS 25,000 in legal fees and expenses.
Drucker announced the ruling on social media, stating that the court found his assertion that Eliasi is a "propaganda arm" to be true and that the phrase "one hand washes the other" was permissible opinion in the context it was used.
Eliasi, responding to the verdict on Facebook, expressed his disappointment, claiming the judge seemed biased towards Drucker. He recounted that Drucker had accused him of being an extremist, a propaganda arm for Ben-Gvir, and receiving a weapon through "one hand washes the other" dealings. Eliasi stated that Drucker only attended half of one hearing and that he felt the judge was close to asking Drucker for an autograph.
Despite the loss and the substantial costs awarded against him, Eliasi acknowledged learning from the ruling that certain statements can be presented as opinion and not constitute defamation. He concluded by vowing to appeal the decision to the District Court, stating he would not remain silent or accept the verdict without a fight, though he expressed low expectations for justice.
The same event, reported separately by each outlet. Open a few to compare what different newsrooms emphasize — and what they leave out.
Haredi 1Other 1
Not the same event — other stories that share this one’s people, places, or theme: background, reactions, and follow-ups.
