Judge Signals Strong Ruling in Yair Netanyahu Defamation Trial

Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court held a hearing on Monday in Yair Netanyahu’s defamation suit against Professor Avshalom Elitzur, with Judge Orna Sandler-Eitan signaling that a decisive ruling is nearing. The case stems from social media posts in which Elitzur claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu’s son had beaten his father and was then sent to Miami, and from other allegations aimed at Sarah Netanyahu.

During testimony, Elitzur said he regretted the posts but argued the claims were already widespread online. “What I said then was in the air everywhere,” he told the court, adding that he was sorry and that the matter could have been settled for a “reasonable sum.” He also hinted that if the case continued, the defense might bring witnesses who would not speak favorably about the prime minister’s son.

Judge Sandler-Eitan rejected that logic sharply. “With all due respect, sir, I live in Jerusalem and I did not hear that,” she said, questioning whether Elitzur believed that because Netanyahu was widely disparaged, others had permission to defame him. She also told him, “You sound on one hand sorry and on the other threatening. That does not please me.”

Later, Elitzur admitted that the mocking nickname “Chamsio” in his tweets was directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, not Yair Netanyahu. Defense attorney Gilat Woldman tried to argue that Yair Netanyahu is a public figure, but the judge said that even if that were accepted, the statements went far beyond permissible public criticism. She specifically cited claims that he hit his father and put socks in the freezer to upset his mother, saying such remarks are “defamation in the harshest sense.” The parties were then sent out to consult on a possible settlement.