Israeli Court Orders Fanny Michaeli to Pay 140,000 NIS for Defaming Shakma Bresler

The Jerusalem Magistrate's Court ruled in favor of protest activist Professor Shakma Bresler in a defamation lawsuit against Fanny Michaeli. The case stemmed from numerous posts Michaeli published on Facebook and X following the October 7, 2023 massacre, accusing Bresler of betrayal, aiding Hamas, and responsibility for the events. Senior Judge Dorit Feinstein described Michaeli's statements as severe and among the highest levels of defamation, rejecting Michaeli's defense claims.

Michaeli had demanded 600,000 NIS in damages and a public correction, while Michaeli argued the lawsuit was an attempt to silence her and claimed her posts were protected opinion or truthful. Michaeli also filed a counterclaim for 150,000 NIS after Bresler called her part of a "poison machine," but this was dismissed due to procedural errors.

The court found Michaeli's reliance on statements by Knesset member Tali Gottlieb unsubstantiated, noting Michaeli failed to summon Gottlieb as a witness and could not prove the truth of her claims. Michaeli admitted she based her accusations on intuition and unverified hearsay. The court rejected her defenses of truth, good faith, and opinion, emphasizing the posts presented unproven facts and were intended to harm Bresler's reputation.

Michaeli was ordered to pay Bresler the maximum statutory compensation of 100,000 NIS, plus interest, 35,000 NIS in attorney fees, and 5,500 NIS in costs, totaling at least 140,500 NIS. The court also mandated Michaeli to remove all defamatory posts and publish a court-ordered apology on both social media accounts within 30 days.

This ruling highlights the legal consequences of spreading unverified and harmful accusations on social media, especially in the sensitive aftermath of national tragedies.