Almost any individual or business can find themselves facing damaging publications. Israel’s Prohibition of Defamation Law protects the fundamental values of human dignity and a person’s good name. Choosing an experienced defamation attorney helps you manage the crisis and advance the protection of your interests — so you can realise your commercial and personal potential against every demeaning publication.
Defamation requires two basic conditions: an identified publisher and content that meets the statutory definition. Such a publication can cause you serious financial harm or deep emotional injury.
What Is Defamation Under Israeli Law?
Every person holds a fundamental right to dignity and a good name. Demeaning and humiliating content infringes those rights. Israel’s Knesset therefore enacted the Prohibition of Defamation Law, 5725-1965, which defines what constitutes a prohibited publication.
Under Section 7A of the law, statutory damages without proof of actual harm amount to up to ILS 50,000 per publication. When we prove the publisher acted with malicious intent to harm you, damages can reach up to ILS 100,000 per publication.
The law classifies content as defamatory if it demeans a person on any of the following grounds:
- Occupation and profession: the publisher attacks a person because of their work, trade, or private business.
- Traits and behaviour: the publisher attributes degrading acts or conduct to the person.
- Personal characteristics: the publisher attacks a person on grounds of race, origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, or disability.
Defamation in the Digital Age: From Print to Social Media
In the past, defamation was published primarily in newspapers or books. Today, the vast majority of cases we handle involve online publications. Social media enables publishers to spread harmful content rapidly and at high intensity.
Social-media posts against professionals sometimes cross the line of legitimate criticism. When a publisher seeks to demean and humiliate you from the outset, the law gives you a legal cause of action. We examine each case to determine whether the publisher expressed a permissible opinion or violated the law.
Whom Does a Defamation Lawyer Represent?
Our firm provides legal support to a wide range of victims. We use key tools such as filing civil compensation claims and criminal complaints. A criminal complaint is filed directly with the Magistrates’ Court — a proceeding that can lead to the publisher’s criminal conviction.
We Represent Self-Employed Professionals
The public sometimes levels public criticism at doctors, interior designers, real-estate agents, and service technicians. Freedom of expression permits substantive criticism, but it does not grant a “licence” for harmful personal attacks. Professionals are entitled to protect their professional name and stop publications designed to destroy their livelihood.
We Represent Media Figures and Public Personalities
Media figures operate at the heart of public controversy. A publication against a media personality aimed at humiliation or inciting hatred constitutes defamation. We accompany public figures through complex reputation-crisis management and protect their standing.
We Represent Businesses and Companies
Businesses depend on their reputation with customers. Potential clients decide whether to engage a service based on online information. When any party publishes demeaning content with the aim of causing financial harm to a business, we act to protect your interests. Our experience in intellectual property and commercial law is a significant asset in that process.
Frequently Asked Questions — Defamation
Can I receive compensation without proving actual harm?
Yes. The Prohibition of Defamation Law enables the court to award you monetary compensation even without proof of actual damage — up to ILS 50,000 per publication, and up to ILS 100,000 in cases of malicious intent. We examine the circumstances of your case to assess the prospects of a claim.
What is the difference between legitimate criticism and defamation?
Legitimate criticism focuses on facts and the service the business actually provided. Defamation focuses on personally demeaning the individual or business. A skilled attorney identifies the dividing line between free expression and prohibited harm.
Can I sue someone who shared (re-posted) a defamatory post?
Absolutely. The courts have held that a person who shares harmful content online can also be sued. We recommend consulting an attorney before taking legal action against those who share content.
How long do I have before a defamation claim is time-barred?
Technically, the limitation period for a civil claim is 7 years. However, we strongly advise acting as soon as possible — the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to document the publication and collect evidence, while the harm to your reputation continues to accumulate.
Why Choose Vaknin Yariv Law Office for Defamation Cases?
Vaknin Yariv Law Office combines extensive experience in civil litigation and complex dispute resolution. The Labour Law and Defamation department is headed by Adv. Miriam Kanaan Masalha, who brings unique expertise in protecting our clients’ reputations.
A meeting with the firm’s team will give you professional guidance tailored precisely to your needs. We examine every avenue — including appeals and objections — and represent you throughout against media outlets, private individuals, and competing businesses. The firm operates from offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.
Please note: The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and constitutes general information. It does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for binding legal counsel.
Has someone damaged your good name? Have you received a legal threat? Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to protect your good name and your interests.
