Israeli Court Orders Police Officer to Pay Ex-Wife Damages for False Murder Threat Complaint
The Family Court in Ashdod partially upheld a defamation lawsuit filed by a woman against her ex-husband, a police officer, ruling that his complaint to the police accusing her of threatening to kill him was false. The court rejected most of the woman's other claims regarding harsh statements he made against her during legal proceedings and communications with authorities. The woman sought 100,000 shekels in damages, alleging that since their divorce, the officer had conducted a campaign of harassment including false accusations of mental illness, claims that she endangered their son, and the false murder threat complaint. She argued these actions harmed her reputation, delayed her career advancement, and caused emotional and financial damage.
The ex-husband denied the claims, asserting that his statements were made in good faith during legal and welfare proceedings concerning their child and were protected by legal immunity under the Defamation Law. He also claimed the police complaint was filed in good faith and that the woman failed to prove any damage. Judge Ofra Guy ruled that statements made during court proceedings and to social workers were absolutely protected by immunity. The court also accepted that his reports to welfare and medical authorities were made in good faith due to concerns for their son's welfare.
However, regarding the police complaint about the murder threat, the court found no evidence that the officer genuinely believed the claim. The complaint was filed over three years after the alleged incident, after lengthy legal disputes, with contradictory versions and no witnesses presented. The complaint was linked to a custody dispute, and the court ruled it was not made in good faith and constituted defamation.
Although there were signs the complaint was malicious, the woman could not prove actual damage or a causal link to career harm. The court noted that merely providing information to authorities does not automatically create grounds for a lawsuit. Ultimately, the officer was ordered to pay 25,000 shekels in damages plus 6,000 shekels in legal fees. Other claims were dismissed.
Attorney Yosef Gabay explained the ruling draws a clear line between protected statements in court and false complaints to police. He noted that defamatory statements made in legal proceedings are protected even if false or malicious, to allow free legal advocacy. But police complaints are scrutinized for good faith, and false complaints can lead to liability. Gabay said the compensation reflects a balanced approach considering the severity of the false accusation and limited dissemination, with no proven workplace harm and mutual hostility between the parties.
