Yossi Ahimeir Criticizes Court Ruling in Smotrich Defamation Case Against Channel 12

Yossi Ahimeir sharply criticized the recent court ruling in the defamation lawsuit filed by Knesset member Smotrich against Channel 12 News. The lawsuit stemmed from a broadcast alleging Smotrich said "the blood of the victims in Hawara is redder than the blood of the victims of October 7." The court ruled that Smotrich did indeed make this statement, a decision that sparked celebration among media outlets as a victory for free political expression.

Ahimeir questioned the court's judgment, arguing it relied on selective hearing and ignored the context and basic logic. He emphasized that Smotrich actually said the blood of Hillel and Yigal, murdered in Hawara, is no less red than that of the October 7 victims, a statement reflecting equality rather than hierarchy. Ahimeir also highlighted examples from past Israeli press where headlines distorted the actual content, demonstrating how media can err or mislead, sometimes without correction.

He further criticized the testimonies of three Justice Ministry representatives who allegedly heard the committee chairman say "redder," suggesting their selective hearing influenced the court's decision. Ahimeir questioned whether a judge could reasonably believe such a harsh statement came from an Israeli legislator and whether the evidence was solid. He concluded that this ruling represents not a media victory over a politician but a triumph of selective hearing, legal illogic, and media bias.

The case underscores ongoing tensions between Israeli politicians and the media, raising questions about judicial standards in defamation cases and the interpretation of political speech. The ruling stands as a controversial precedent, with Ahimeir warning against accepting such "victories" that may undermine fair discourse and judicial integrity.