Former PM Naftali Bennett Appeals Court Ruling in Defamation Case Against Channel 14 Host

On Sunday, Central Magistrate's Court President Menachem Mizrahi ruled that Boaz Golan of Channel 14 defamed former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett in three separate publications. Despite this finding, the judge ultimately dismissed Bennett's defamation lawsuit against Golan and ordered Bennett to pay Golan's legal fees and court costs. Mizrahi determined that Golan failed to prove the "truth defense" due to factual inaccuracies in his statements. However, the judge accepted Golan's "good faith defense," leading to the dismissal of Bennett's claim. Bennett was ordered to pay 10,000 shekels plus VAT for attorney fees and court expenses.

Following the ruling, Bennett announced his intention to appeal the decision, expressing dissatisfaction with the judgment. He stated there is an "unexplained gap between the facts and the conclusions in the ruling." The case highlights ongoing tensions between Bennett and media figures, with the former prime minister continuing his legal battle against Golan and Channel 14.

The next step involves Bennett filing an appeal against Judge Mizrahi's decision, seeking to overturn the dismissal and hold Golan accountable for the alleged defamation.