Israeli Prime Minister-elect Benjamin Netanyahu won an important lawsuit shortly after winning the election: former Israeli Prime Minister Ehu Olmert accused Netanyahu of "madness," and Netanyahu accused Olmert of malicious defamation.
Yaref, vice president of the Tel Aviv District Court, argued that Olmert was not a psychiatrist and had not diagnosed Netanyahu's mental condition, but was merely a political attack based on hearsay. Evidence shows that former Prime Minister Sharon said that Netanyahu always looked like he was about to collapse under pressure and could easily suddenly fall into panic. But this statement is not enough to prove that "Netanyahu is crazy."
Netanyahu forcefully pushed back against Olmert's allegations, saying he had "no history of mental illness" and that allegations that his family was suffering from mental illness were false. And, even if he takes a step back, even if his family is really mentally ill, it does not mean that Netanyahu himself is mentally ill.
The judge held that the law balances freedom of expression and the right of individuals to protect their reputation. Freedom of speech protects a person's ability to criticize public figures, including controversial issues. However, all people have the right to defend their reputation, and damage to a person's reputation can harm them socially and economically.
The court ultimately ruled against Olmert, who could face a fine of up to NIS 75,000.
