For defamation: Olmert must pay Netanyahu compensation Headscarf taken off in public: well-known Iranian actresses arrested

Israel’s former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert must pay Prime Minister-designate Benjamin Netanyahu the equivalent of about 16,600 francs in compensation for defamation.

This was ruled by Tel Aviv’s Magistrate’s Court on Monday, as Olmert had described Netanyahu and his family as “mentally ill”. In addition, Olmert must bear the court costs.

Netanyahu filed a defamation lawsuit against his predecessor in May last year, seeking damages of about CHF 232,000. In an interview, Olmert described Netanyahu, his wife Sara and his son Jair as incurably “mentally ill”.

Netanyahu then accused Olmert of trying to compulsively harm him and his family and their reputation. Olmert defended himself by saying he was merely reflecting the views of the Israeli public and international leaders. However, the court rejected Olmert’s claim of free speech.

Israeli media have repeatedly reported alleged violent outbursts by Sara Netanyahu; she was charged and convicted of harassment by several former employees. Netanyahu’s adult son, Jair, is known for his harsh campaigning against political opponents on social media, often accused of being extremely abusive. He himself must compensate a journalist for defamation with a value of more than 70,000 euros, as confirmed by the Supreme Court last week.

Politicians Olmert and Netanyahu also have experience with justice. Following his conviction in a corruption trial, Olmert began serving a 19-month prison sentence in February 2016. However, he was released three months early. Corruption proceedings against Netanyahu have also been ongoing since May 2020. After his victory in the parliamentary elections on November 1, he is currently trying to forge a right-wing religious coalition. (saw/sda/dpa)