Communications Consultant Ronen Tzur Files $2.2 Million Defamation Suit Against Journalist Avishai Greenstein

Ronen Tzur, a communications consultant, has filed a defamation lawsuit worth 2.2 million shekels against journalist Avishai Greenstein, a legal affairs correspondent for i24News, and the channel operator, Middle East News Company-i24. The suit was submitted to the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court. Tzur accuses Greenstein of conducting a prolonged, systematic personal smear campaign against him, alleging that the journalist published false claims accusing Tzur of corruption, dishonesty, fraud, and fabricating conspiracies. According to Tzur, Greenstein presented speculation as facts and attributed serious misconduct to him without any factual basis.

The lawsuit specifically challenges Greenstein's claims linking Tzur to Yehuda Meshi Zahav, founder of the ZAKA organization. Greenstein alleged that Tzur and his firm acted on behalf of Meshi Zahav against complainants in a sexual offenses case and collected information on them. Tzur denies ever representing Meshi Zahav, providing him professional services, or meeting him. He states that when the Meshi Zahav scandal emerged, he was asked to represent ZAKA but only on the condition that he would not represent Meshi Zahav personally and that the organization would sever ties with him, a condition that was met immediately.

Tzur emphasizes the severity of the allegations, noting a prior legal proceeding between him and Greenstein that concluded in July 2024 with a settlement requiring Greenstein to issue a public apology. This history underscores the ongoing nature of the dispute and the seriousness with which Tzur views the defamatory claims.