Yossi Ahimeir Criticizes Court Ruling in Smotrich Defamation Case Against Channel 12
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
By יוסי אחימאיר
First reported by Arutz Sheva · Aug 6, 2026
What happened
Yossi Ahimeir criticized a court ruling that found Knesset member Smotrich made a defamatory statement against victims of Hawara, calling the decision based on selective hearing and lacking logic. The ruling was hailed by media as a free speech victory, but Ahimeir argued it distorted Smotrich's actual words and reflected media bias. He questioned the evidence and judicial reasoning behind the verdict, warning it sets a troubling precedent.
- 01Court ruled Smotrich made a statement comparing victims' blood in Hawara and October 7 attacks.
- 02Media celebrated the ruling as a free speech victory over a politician.
- 03Ahimeir claims the court relied on selective hearing and ignored context and logic.
- 04He cited past examples of media misrepresentation to question the ruling's accuracy.
- 05Justice Ministry witnesses allegedly misheard key testimony influencing the verdict.
- 06Ahimeir warns the ruling reflects media bias and judicial illogic, not a true victory.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
Full coverage · 2 outlets
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