Former PM Olmert Ordered to Pay Netanyahu Family NIS 62,500
The Tel Aviv Magistrates Court ruled that former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert must compensate Prime Minister-designate Binyamin Netanyahu and his family NIS 62,500 ($18,000).
In two interviews in 2021, Olmert described the Netanyahu family as “mentally ill” and “in need of psychiatric treatment.” Netanyahu sued Olmert for defamation, seeking NIS 837,000 in damages.
Neither Netanyahu nor Olmert were present as Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court Deputy President Amit Yariv read the verdict.
Olmert’s statements sounded too close to describing a medical fact which he had no basis to assert, the judge said. Olmert was ordered to pay Binyamin Netanyahu the sum of NIS 20,000, NIS 35,000 to his wife Sara, and NIS 7,500 to their son Yair. Olmert was also ordered to pay court costs.
The judge said Olmert failed to bring enough evidence to support his statement and that the phrasing sounded too professional, even though Olmert has no expertise in mental wellness.
To Read The Full Story
Are you already a subscriber?
Click "Sign In" to log in!
Become a Web Subscriber
Click “Subscribe” below to begin the process of becoming a new subscriber.
Become a Print + Web Subscriber
Click “Subscribe” below to begin the process of becoming a new subscriber.
Renew Print + Web Subscription
Click “Renew Subscription” below to begin the process of renewing your subscription.
