Tel Aviv Court Orders Radio 103 to Pay NIS 796,500 to Broadcaster Natan Zehavi

The Tel Aviv District Court partially ruled in favor of broadcaster Natan Zehavi and his company, Shai't Zehavi Ltd., against Radio 103, determining that the station breached their contract by suspending Zehavi without paying his contractual salary. Judge Limor Bibi ordered Radio 103 to pay a total of 796,500 shekels, which includes compensation for 27 months of suspension plus VAT, and legal fees amounting to 75,000 shekels.

The dispute began in November 2022 after Zehavi made controversial remarks on air regarding the deaths of 174 lonely elderly people, including a statement wishing some public officials would "put on tefillin and hang themselves." Following this, Radio 103 suspended him, issued a condemnation statement, demanded an apology, and required guarantees to prevent future regulatory violations as conditions for his return. Zehavi refused these demands, leading to the lawsuit.

Represented by attorney Lior Epstein, the plaintiffs argued that Radio 103 had historically protected Zehavi’s outspoken style and provided legal backing against regulators, but abandoned him during the crisis. They claimed the suspension without pay was not contractually supported and that the station unilaterally changed terms by demanding apologies and guarantees. Radio 103 countered that Zehavi violated essential obligations to comply with laws and station directives, and that the suspension was a temporary measure to allow him to retract his statements.

Judge Bibi ruled that although Zehavi had contractual duties, the station’s decision to suspend him without pay violated their agreement. She ordered payment of 675,000 shekels plus VAT, totaling 796,500 shekels. The court also declared the contract terminated as of the judgment date since the station never formally canceled it. Claims for moral rights violations and defamation were rejected, with the court finding no proof that the program continued under Zehavi’s name with other hosts and that the station’s condemnation statement was protected opinion and truthful regarding the suspension.

The court instructed Radio 103 to clarify whether it would enforce a non-compete clause. If so, it must continue paying Zehavi during that period; if not, Zehavi is free to work with other broadcasters. Attorney Epstein stated the ruling sends a clear message that media companies cannot silence and withhold pay from creators without contractual basis, emphasizing that managerial power does not override written agreements.