Jerusalem Court Rules Guy Peleg Reported Truthfully in Defamation Case Against Smotrich Ally

The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by Knesset member Smotrich ally Simcha Rothman against Channel 12 News and journalist Guy Peleg. Rothman had sued over a November 2023 report quoting him saying, "The blood of the Hallel and Yigal Yaniv brothers murdered in Hawara is redder than the blood of those killed on October 7." The court confirmed Rothman indeed made the statement during a preparatory meeting of the Constitution, Law and Justice Committee with Shin Bet and Justice Ministry officials discussing proposed anti-terrorism law amendments.

Judge Oren Silverman ruled that Peleg's reporting was protected under the truth defense, finding the testimonies credible and Rothman's own conduct during the proceedings supported the statement's accuracy. The judge criticized Rothman for evasive testimony and outright denial instead of providing substantive responses, which reinforced the legitimacy of the published report. Rothman had expressed frustration with Shin Bet and the Justice Ministry for their handling of incitement against settlers and opposed their expanded investigative powers.

The original broadcast had shocked officials present, who found Rothman's comparison of the Hawara victims' blood to those killed on October 7 unacceptable. Rothman later retracted his remarks. Channel 12 was represented by attorneys Dr. Yisgav Nakdimon, Dakla Biran, and Yarden Ivtsan. The ruling marks a legal victory for Channel 12 and affirms the journalistic protection of reporting statements made by public officials in official committee settings.