Lighting Importer Sues Footballer Eran Zahavi and Partner for NIS 376,000 Over Canceled Order

Israeli lighting importer Bar Ami Lighting has filed a lawsuit against footballer Eran Zahavi and his partner, Shay, claiming they ordered lighting fixtures but later canceled the deal after the goods arrived in Israel. Represented by attorney Yehonatan Podim, the company demands approximately 376,000 shekels, alleging the couple ordered unique lighting products in October 2025 for their new home in Savyon, which Bar Ami Lighting imported from abroad specifically for them.

Initially, the company quoted 430,000 shekels but reduced the price to 330,000 shekels after the couple requested a discount and promised future orders. The parties agreed on a 20% down payment, with Bar Ami Lighting starting the import before receiving the deposit. Despite delays in payment and repeated attempts to schedule delivery after the goods arrived in December 2025, Zahavi and his partner postponed acceptance due to construction delays and eventually replaced their architects and project supervisor.

In June, Zahavi requested to cancel the order, claiming he no longer needed the fixtures and found cheaper alternatives. Bar Ami Lighting refused, stating the products had already arrived and demanded payment. In August, Zahavi's lawyer, Matan Meir Afriat, formally canceled the contract citing "material delay in delivery" and demanded a refund of the deposit. Bar Ami Lighting called this claim "a collection of lies" and noted the new architect confirmed previous plans, including lighting, were scrapped.

The company refuses to cancel the order, demands full payment including the 100,000 shekel discount previously granted, and seeks compensation for storage costs of 1,500 shekels per month. The case highlights a commercial dispute over delayed delivery, contract cancellation, and financial responsibility between a supplier and a high-profile customer.