Jerusalem Court Rules Guy Peleg Reported Truthfully in Defamation Case Filed by MK Simcha Rothman

The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Knesset Member Simcha Rothman against Channel 12 News, journalist Guy Peleg, and others. The suit stemmed from a November 2023 broadcast on Channel 12's "Central Edition," where Rothman was quoted saying, "The blood of the victims in Hawara is redder than the blood of those killed on October 7." The court confirmed that Rothman indeed made this statement during a meeting with Shin Bet and Justice Ministry officials regarding proposed anti-terrorism legislation.

After hearing testimonies and reviewing evidence, Deputy President of the Magistrate's Court Oren Silverman ruled that Rothman's statement is protected under the defense of truth. The judge found the testimonies credible and noted Rothman's evasive behavior when questioned about his post-meeting actions, which further supported the accuracy of the report. The court also criticized Rothman's conduct during the legal proceedings.

The original broadcast covered a heated discussion in the Knesset's Constitution, Law and Justice Committee, where Rothman expressed frustration with Shin Bet and the Justice Ministry for their handling of incitement against settlers. He stated that more bloodshed should not have been necessary to prompt policy changes and accused the agencies of previously misusing their authority against Jews. Rothman's remark about the "redder blood" of the Hawara victims shocked the officials present, who deemed it unacceptable. Rothman later retracted the statement.

Channel 12 was represented by attorneys Dr. Yisgav Nakdimon, Dakla Biran, and Yarden Ivzan. The ruling affirms the media's right to report on statements made by public officials during official meetings, reinforcing protections for truthful reporting in defamation cases.

Summary: The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court rejected MK Simcha Rothman's defamation claim against Channel 12 and journalist Guy Peleg, ruling that Peleg's report of Rothman's controversial statement comparing the bloodshed in Hawara to the October 7 attacks was truthful and protected by law.