Nir Barkat files NIS 12 million libel lawsuit against Channel 12 and journalist Omri Maniv

Yahoo
Yahoo
26m ago
Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat filed a NIS 12 million libel lawsuit against Channel 12 News journalist Omri Maniv over an investigative broadcast that Barkat says contained false and defamatory claims.
Nir Barkat files NIS 12 million libel lawsuit against Channel 12 and journalist Omri Maniv
A What happened
Economy and Industry Minister Nir Barkat filed a libel lawsuit against Channel 12 News journalist Omri Maniv, seeking NIS 12 million in damages. Barkat’s office said the suit is Israel’s largest libel lawsuit. Barkat’s claim says Maniv broadcast a false, negligent, and defamatory investigation and alleges the report did not verify facts. The claim disputes three alleged falsehoods about Barkat’s ties to BRM, an alleged investment in a news site for political influence and financial benefit, and alleged conflicts of interest from local business ties.

Key insights

  • 1

    Barkat’s claim argues press freedom has limits in defamation disputes: Barkat’s office said freedom of expression and freedom of the press do not include defaming without basis and said the dispute will be decided in court.

  • 2

    The lawsuit centers on three disputed allegations: Barkat’s attorneys said the broadcast relied on claims about Barkat’s involvement with BRM, an alleged investment in a news site for influence and financial benefit, and alleged conflicts of interest from local business ties.

Takeaways

Nir Barkat is seeking NIS 12 million from Channel 12 journalist Omri Maniv in a libel case that Barkat’s office says is the largest of its kind in Israel and that disputes key claims made in a televised investigation.

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Culture & Society Media Law & Public Safety Crime & Justice Courts

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