משרד עורכי דין ואקנין יריב, Author at Adv

Heirs named in a deceased person’s will must act in accordance with the law. You must complete a series of defined steps in order to receive the estate. In this article we set out the essentials of the process, explain how to navigate it efficiently, and clarify why it is worth consulting an attorney from the very start.

The subject of wills and inheritances is more complex than is commonly assumed. There is a significant difference between distributing an estate under a will and distributing it under statutory rules (when there is no will). In addition, not every will is admissible in court — disputes can arise even when a clear and orderly list of heirs exists.

Why Should Heirs Act Quickly and Precisely?

Even if the deceased named you as an heir in the will, you need to know how to proceed. A wrong step leads to delay in receiving the property or estate. Proper legal guidance ensures the process moves forward without unnecessary complications.

Here is what every heir named in a will should know:

Risk of challenge: despite your name appearing in the will, other parties may present claims for a different distribution. We see many cases in which relatives challenge the validity of the will or the lawfulness of its contents.
Precision in applying for a probate order: the law allows you to file an online application for the order to shorten the process. However, submitting incorrect details will delay the application and produce the opposite result. We accompany you through the filing to prevent distress and delays.

Costs and Fees: How Much Does It Cost to File?

Realising the will involves mandatory state fees. We recommend filing online to save time and money. Note: the figures below are current as of January 2026 and are linked to the Consumer Price Index:

Online application fee: ILS 507 (through the Registrar’s online system).
Paper application fee: ILS 597 (in-person filing at the Registrar’s offices).
Publication in the official gazette: ILS 66 (mandatory for all types of filing under the Inheritance Law).
Objection to a probate order: ILS 1,140.

We ensure for our clients that payment is made in accordance with the law. Precision in fee payment prevents unnecessary technical rejections of the application by the Registrar of Inheritances.

Dealing with an Objection to the Probate Order

The law requires every application for a probate order to be published in the press. This publication allows third parties to file an objection to the granting of the order. The objection must be filed with the Registrar of Inheritances within 14 days of the date of publication.

Many people use the objection mechanism to challenge the rights of the heirs — frequently among family members, descendants, or spouses. In such cases we build a legal strategy to defend the validity of the will. We examine the details of the case in depth to ensure the deceased’s wishes are carried out in full.

Errors in the Will: How Do We Handle Them?

Many unfortunate cases reach court because of a suspected error in the will. The error may stem from good faith or from deliberate deception. It is very important to examine the wording of the will to determine who the lawful heirs are and what the precise share each is entitled to receive.

When you encounter an objection based on an alleged defect in the will, we examine whether technical deficiencies affect the document’s validity. We present the deceased’s true intentions to the court, relying on the available evidence. Our aim is to reflect the testator’s original wishes despite the legal complexities that arise along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions — Heirs Named in a Will

What is the total cost of obtaining a probate order (without legal representation)?

The minimum cost payable to the state (as of January 2026) is ILS 573 for an online filing — comprising the application fee (ILS 507) and publication costs (ILS 66). For a paper filing the total is ILS 663.

How long does it take to obtain a probate order?

In straightforward cases with no objections, the process typically takes between three and five months. If a party files an objection, the case moves to court and the process may take considerably longer. Professional legal representation streamlines the document submission and reduces waiting times.

What documents do I need to realise the will?

You must have the original death certificate and the original will. In addition, you must prepare notification declarations to all heirs named in the will. We help you gather all the required documents so the application is filed correctly.

Can an heir waive their share under the will?

Yes. This process is called “renunciation of the estate.” It is possible to renounce in favour of the testator’s spouse, child, or sibling. We recommend consulting us before taking this step, as it carries significant tax and future rights implications.

Why Choose the Family Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Vaknin Yariv Law Office specialises in realising complex wills and managing estates. The family and property department is headed by Adv. Shlomit Asraf Schneider, who brings years of experience accompanying heirs and dealing with objections in the Family Court.

A meeting with Adv. Yariv Vaknin will give you the professional tools to realise your share of the estate with full confidence. We accompany you personally from our 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.

Your name appears in the will and you want to realise your rights? Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to turn the will’s instructions into reality for you.

The idea behind a will is straightforward: when a person dies, the law grants them the right to determine what happens to their property. To give effect to the deceased’s instructions, a probate order must be issued. In many cases, however, a strong objection arises to the estate distribution as it appears in the document. The following article explains how to contest a will, who may do so, and what the main grounds for the process are.

What Is a Will Contest from a Legal Perspective?

When we speak of contesting a will, we mean filing a request to halt the issuance of the probate order. That order is a necessary step in every estate proceeding. The Registrar of Inheritances publishes the application for the order in the press to allow the public to respond.

Heirs file an objection when they believe the will does not reflect the deceased’s true wishes. The guiding principle of Israeli courts is “to honour the wishes of the deceased.” Therefore, if doubt arises about the authenticity or validity of the document, the law allows you to act decisively to change the situation.

Who May Object to a Probate Order — and When?

Generally, any person who considers themselves harmed by the will may file an objection. You must act quickly: the law provides a window of only 14 days from the date of public notice. If the Registrar has already issued the order, an objection cannot be filed through the ordinary route. Conversely, if no one has yet applied for a probate order, there is no framework yet for filing an objection.

We recommend examining the following grounds for filing an objection:

Existence of a later will: if the deceased signed a more recent will, that is the document that governs distribution of the estate.
Undue influence: if the deceased made the will under threats, unlawful pressure, or violence.
Involvement in drafting: if one of the heirs physically participated in preparing the will, this in most cases disqualifies their entitlement.

The Procedure: Where to Apply and What Are the Costs?

You must send the objection documents to the Registrar of Inheritances. The state allows you to do this in several ways: attending in person at the Registrar’s offices, sending by registered post, or filing online through the government services portal.

Note that filing an objection involves a fee of ILS 986 (as of 2026). For updated information on inheritance fees, procedures, and official forms, visit the Registrar of Inheritances website. Without proof of payment, the Registrar will not consider your claims at all. Legal representation ensures the application is filed correctly and meets the statutory deadlines.

⚠️ Mandatory Checklist: What Must the Statement of Objection Include?

For the Registrar to accept your application, it must include all of the following details and documents. Important: if any one of these is missing, the Registrar will immediately reject your objection!

✅ Full identifying details: complete and accurate information about you as the objector and the details of the deceased.
✅ Grounds and legal arguments: a detailed explanation of why the will is defective or does not reflect reality.
✅ Verified declaration: you must sign a declaration confirming all facts in the statement of objection before an attorney.
✅ Power of attorney: if an attorney represents you in the proceedings (strongly recommended).
✅ Fee payment confirmation: proof of payment of ILS 986 to the Registrar’s office.

Frequently Asked Questions — Will Contest

What happens if I missed the 14-day window?

Even if the deadline has passed, the law allows you to file a reasoned application for an extension. The court considers each case individually, taking into account the reason for the delay and the stage the estate proceeding has reached. We recommend acting urgently before the estate is actually distributed.

How long does the court objection process take?

Duration depends on the complexity of the case and the number of witnesses and items of evidence. A court will-contest process typically takes between six months and two years. Proper case management and the experience of the attorney can shorten the process and generate agreed settlements.

Can an oral will (“deathbed declaration”) be contested?

Yes. The law recognises oral wills in extreme circumstances, but these are the wills most vulnerable to challenge. The rules and principles are similar to those for a written will, although the burden of proof regarding the will’s content becomes considerably more complex.

Where can I download the official forms for filing an objection?

All forms, fee information, and updated procedures can be found on the Registrar of Inheritances website. It is advisable to download the current form and fill it in carefully before submission.

Transfer of the Proceedings to Court

After the objection is lawfully filed, the Registrar of Inheritances examines it. If they find merit in the arguments, the case is transferred to the Family Court. There the judge conducts hearings, examines evidence in depth, and hears testimony from those involved. At the end of the process, the judge makes a binding decision on whether to uphold the will, invalidate it, or modify its provisions.

Vaknin Yariv Law Office accompanies heirs in complex estate disputes from our offices in Afula and Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4). We fight to ensure justice is served and that the true wishes of your loved one are honoured in full.

Please note: The content on this website is provided for informational purposes only and constitutes general information. It does not constitute legal advice, is not a substitute for binding legal counsel, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. In any specific case, seek personalised legal advice from an attorney.

Suspicious that the will does not reflect the truth? Don’t wait for the window of opportunity to close. Contact Vaknin Yariv Law Office to schedule an urgent professional consultation. Leave your details on the website or call now: 052-2288824.

Wills and inheritances sometimes give rise to bitter disputes within families. Some relatives are unhappy with the distribution of assets, or they suspect the will does not reflect the deceased’s wishes. As a rule, the state seeks to honour the wishes of the deceased — but the law sets out clear grounds for invalidating defective wills. In this article we explain when you can file an objection to a probate order and what the chances of success are.

What Is the Probate Objection Process?

When a person dies leaving a will, the heirs apply for a probate order from the Registrar of Inheritances. The order gives legal force to the deceased’s instructions and enables the distribution of the estate.

After the application is submitted, the Registrar publishes notice of its existence in the press and official gazette. This publication opens a 14-day window for filing objections. We recommend acting quickly within this period. An objection based on a relevant ground will result in the case being transferred for hearing at the Family Court.

Main Grounds for Filing a Will Contest

The law defines several cases in which a court may invalidate an existing will:

1. Existence of a Later Will

The primary purpose of the law is to give effect to the deceased’s final wishes. If you have discovered a more recent will than the one submitted to the Registrar, you are entitled to file an objection. The law provides that the last validly executed will is binding, as it reflects the testator’s most up-to-date intentions.

2. Undue Influence on the Testator

A will must reflect a completely free decision. We examine whether the testator made the will under threats, psychological pressure, or violence. Such unlawful influence renders the will invalid. Courts assess the degree of the deceased’s dependency on the beneficiary to determine whether such influence occurred.

3. Heir Involvement in Drafting the Will

Section 35 of the Inheritance Law, 5725-1965 sets a strict rule: a will provision that benefits a person who took part in its preparation is void. If we prove that an heir was present when the will was written or directed the attorney as to its content, the court may disqualify that heir’s entitlement.

4. Lack of Legal Capacity or Formal Defects

If the testator did not understand the nature of the will at the time of signing (due to a cognitive or medical condition), the will is not valid. In addition, we look for formal defects such as the absence of a signature, absent witnesses, or an incorrect date that may lead to its invalidation.

Frequently Asked Questions — Will Contest

Can we contest a will simply because the distribution “seems unfair”?

No. Unfairness alone is not a legal ground for invalidation. We must prove a legal defect, such as undue influence or the testator’s lack of mental capacity at the time of writing.

Can an objection be filed after the order has already been granted?

This is a considerably more complex process known as an “application to revoke a probate order.” You must present new evidence that was not available to you at the time the order was granted and explain why you were delayed in submitting it.

What happens if the deceased left no will at all?

In that case we proceed according to the rules of “intestate succession” set out in the law. This situation often creates uncertainty or disputes among family members about their share of the estate. To resolve the matter, an application for an inheritance order must be filed. Legal representation helps resolve disputes and ensures each heir receives their entitlement under the law.

Why Choose the Estates Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Vaknin Yariv Law Office brings extensive experience in family and estate litigation.

A meeting with Adv. Yariv Vaknin will allow you to examine the evidence in your possession and assess your prospects of success. We represent you throughout the entire process from our offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Suspicious that the will does not reflect the truth? Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to ensure that the deceased’s true wishes are carried out.

The term “inheritance order” (tzav yerusha) is one of the central concepts in Israeli estate and probate law. For the general public, the process of obtaining one can seem opaque and bureaucratic. In this article we explain exactly what an inheritance order is, and how we help you obtain one quickly in 2026. Proper legal guidance saves you valuable time and prevents bureaucratic errors with the authorities.

So What Exactly Is an “Inheritance Order”?

The Registrar of Inheritances issues an “inheritance order” to settle the distribution of a deceased person’s estate. The order is required when the deceased left no signed will. The order’s role is not to detail the actual distribution of assets. Its purpose is to determine who the lawful heirs are and what their respective shares in the estate are.

We file the application for an inheritance order with the relevant Registrar’s office. The location is determined by the deceased’s last place of residence. Today, we submit most applications online through the Registrar of Inheritances’ application portal to expedite the process.

Filing an Online Application

In 2026, the law encourages online filing. This track significantly reduces waiting time. You can use this track in the following four cases:

The deceased left a spouse and children.
The deceased left children only.
The deceased left no children, but the spouse and the deceased’s parents are still alive.
The deceased left no spouse or children, but his or her parents are still living.

Please note: If an attorney represents the children, spouse, or parents, the application must be submitted online only. During the process, we handle the fee payments on your behalf. Digital filing gives you a discount of approximately 15% on filing fees compared to a paper submission.

Frequently Asked Questions — Obtaining an Inheritance Order

How long does it take to obtain an inheritance order?

With a properly filed online application, the process typically takes between a few weeks and a few months. If the application is filed on paper, or if a legal dispute arises among the heirs, the process may take considerably longer.

Can an inheritance order be obtained even if the deceased had debts?

Absolutely. The inheritance order only determines the identity of the heirs. However, before the assets are actually distributed, the estate’s debts to creditors must be settled. It is important to know that heirs are not personally liable for the deceased’s debts beyond the value of the assets they inherited.

What is the difference between an inheritance order and a probate order?

An inheritance order is issued when there is no will — in this case the law determines who the heirs are. A probate order (tzav kiyum tzava’a) is issued when a signed will exists — in this case the court validates the document and confirms the distribution of assets according to the deceased’s wishes.

Why Choose the Estates Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Obtaining an inheritance order is only the first step toward realising assets at banks and the Land Registry. The family and estates department is headed by Adv. Shlomit Asraf Schneider, who brings extensive experience in managing complex estates and expediting processes before the Registrar.

Adv. Yariv Vaknin leads the legal strategy for protecting our clients’ rights in Israel and abroad. We represent you with professionalism and full discretion from our 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. It does not constitute binding legal advice.

Need an inheritance order to realise the estate? Leave your details on the website or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824 We are here to manage the process for you efficiently and with peace of mind.

Throughout life, a person accumulates assets, money, and property. After their death, the will they left is the decisive document determining how the estate will be distributed. However, it is important to understand: the right registered in the will does not “fall from the sky.” In order to realize your share of the inheritance and transfer the assets into your ownership, you must perform a series of defined legal actions. In this article we explain how to set the process in motion and what the updated requirements for 2026 are.

The Legal Foundation: Freedom of Testation and Honoring the Wishes of the Deceased

The State of Israel, like many developed countries, sanctifies a person’s right to decide what will be done with their property after their death. The Inheritance Law gives effect to these decisions, but it requires a formal procedure to bring them into action. We ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out exactly as intended, while protecting your interests as heirs.

The First Step: Application for a Probate Order

The will alone is only a “declaration of intent.” In order to give it binding legal effect vis-à-vis banks, the Land Registry, and other authorities, we file an application for a probate order with the Office of the Registrar of Inheritance Affairs.

Important to know:

Online filing: as of 2026, most applications are filed digitally. When an attorney represents you, the law requires online filing, which significantly shortens waiting times.
Absence of a will: if the deceased did not leave a will, we act to issue an “inheritance order,” which distributes the estate according to the rules of inheritance under the law.

What Must You Attach to the Application?

We consolidate for you all the required documents in order to prevent bureaucratic delays:

A photocopy of the will: the original document must be available for presentation if needed.
Death certificate and details of the deceased: including a copy of the ID card.
Waiver affidavits (renunciation): if there are heirs who wish to waive their share in favor of others.
Proof of service: evidence that you have notified the other heirs of the filing of the application.

Fees and Publication: The “Industrial Quiet” Stage

For the Registrar to handle the application, you must pay two mandatory fees (the amounts are updated to 2026 and linked to the index):

Application opening fee: payment for the administrative service of the Registrar.
Newspaper publication fee: the Registrar’s office is required to publish a public notice of the intention to issue the order. The publication is intended to allow interested persons to file an objection to the will within 14 days. We accompany you also in cases where such objections arise and protect your rights in court.

Who Is Authorized to File the Application?

The law provides that only a person defined as an heir in the will, or an attorney representing them, may file the application for the probate order. Legal guidance ensures that the application is precisely drafted, which prevents technical rejections and expedites receipt of the property.

Why Choose the Inheritance Department of Vaknin Yariv Law Office?

Realizing a will requires a combination of bureaucratic expertise and litigation capability if a dispute arises. The Family and Inheritance department is led by Adv. Shlomit Asraf Schneider. She brings extensive experience in managing complex estates and protecting heirs.

The firm was founded by Adv. Yariv Vaknin, who leads the legal strategy for ensuring rapid realization of heirs’ rights. We provide you with a professional service through our offices in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Please note: the content on this site is for enrichment purposes only and constitutes general information. The information does not constitute legal advice and is not a substitute for binding advice.

Is your name listed in the will? Want to begin the process of receiving the inheritance? Leave your details on the site or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824. We are here to turn the words in the will into assets in your hands.

The line between expressing an opinion and harming a good name often appears thin and blurred. In today’s digital reality, we encounter every day people who publish content against others. Despite the similarity, the law makes a clear distinction between legitimate criticism and the publication of defamation. While criticism is an essential tool in a democracy, defamation is an offense that gives rise to heavy damage. In this article we explain how to distinguish between the two.

When Is a Publication Considered Defamation?

Freedom of expression does not grant the citizen the right to harm the dignity of others without justification. The law provides that publishing defamation exposes the publisher to legal proceedings on the part of the injured party. Generally, any content that a person publishes to a distribution of at least one person, with the purpose of disparaging or humiliating another person, is considered defamation.

Defamation includes publications that disparage a person on grounds of:

Origin, religion, gender, or age.
Sexual orientation or physical and mental condition.
Occupation, profession, or position.

Even an attempt to make a person a target of hatred or ridicule is considered an offense under the Defamation Prohibition Law.

When Is It Legitimate Criticism?

When a publication does not include attempts at personal disparagement or humiliation, the law may regard it as legitimate criticism. Voicing criticism is an important tool in a democratic society. It helps citizens receive relevant information and assists organizations in improving and becoming more efficient.

Legitimate criticism includes the following parameters:

Substantive discourse: the writer focuses on actions or omissions and not on personality.
Respectful language: the writer refrains from extremely offensive expressions.
Public interest: the publication points out shortcomings whose purpose is to inform the public.

What Can Be Done in the Case of Harm to a Good Name?

If a person published legitimate criticism against you, you can either ignore it or respond on the merits. By contrast, when a person hurls defamatory statements at you, the law grants you legal tools:

Civil compensation claim: you demand from the publisher a monetary payment for the damage caused to your reputation.
Private criminal complaint: you conduct a private criminal proceeding against the publisher in serious cases.

Does the Law Require You to Prove Financial Damage?

Many are surprised to learn that the law does not require proof of actual damage in such claims. While professionals sometimes present financial damage, the law recognizes the very harm to dignity as a cause for compensation. The compensation amount without proof of damage is limited by the cap set in law, but it constitutes a significant deterrent tool.

Avoid Publishing Defamatory Statements

Before you upload an angry post about poor service, observe the following rules:

Write in a substantive manner and do not attack the person himself or herself.
Use proper and respectful language.
Make sure that the facts in your publication are correct (“truth in publication” defense).

Please note: the content on this site is for enrichment purposes only. The information does not constitute binding legal advice and does not replace a personal consultation with an attorney.

Has your good name been harmed online or in the media? Don’t remain unprotected. Vaknin Yariv Law Office specializes in managing reputation crises. Contact us to schedule a consultation at our offices in Afula or Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4). Leave your details on the site or call now: 052-2288824.

What do social networks, news sites, blogs, and newspapers have in common? In all of them, people disseminate vast amounts of content every day. Sometimes the content is intended to market a product or provide information, but in many cases the publisher directs their words against a person or group. Content that seeks to disparage, humiliate, or hold another person up to ridicule may be considered defamation. In this article we explain which legal proceedings you can take in order to stop the harm and demand justice.

Threshold Conditions: When Do Statements Become “Defamation”?

It is important to remember: in order for a cause of action to crystallize, the law requires the element of publication. Defamation is not only what is said, but what reached at least one person other than the injured party. A curse uttered in a private, closed conversation between two people, however serious it may be, will generally not be a cause of action under the law. We examine whether the message reached a third party – whether in a public post, in a WhatsApp group, or in a letter that was distributed.

Litigation Strategy: Comparing Legal Tracks

To achieve the best result, we tailor the type of proceeding to your goal:

Type of proceeding	Main objective	Required burden of proof	Possible outcome
Civil proceeding	Monetary compensation and reputational rehabilitation	Balance of probabilities (above 51%)	Monetary damages and apology
Private criminal complaint	Punishment and deterrence	Beyond reasonable doubt	Criminal record, fine, or imprisonment
Warning letter	Stopping the damage and a quick resolution	No proof in court	Removal of the publication and savings on costs

1. The Civil Legal Proceeding: Compensation Updated for 2026

This is the most common track. The purpose of the proceeding is to obtain monetary compensation for the damage caused to your good name.

Compensation amounts without proof of damage (updated for 2026): the amounts in the law are linked to the consumer price index and are updated each year. As of 2026:

Standard statutory compensation: the court may award an amount of approximately NIS 80,000 (updated from time to time) even without proof of financial damage.
Publication with malicious intent: if we prove that the publisher sought to harm you intentionally, the compensation may reach double the amount – approximately NIS 160,000.

2. Private Criminal Complaint: An Extreme Tool for Exceptional Cases

A private criminal complaint is a proceeding in which a private person “steps into the shoes of the State” and files an indictment. It is important to clarify: today the courts tend to greatly limit the use of this tool. We consider this track only in cases of particularly serious harm to public order or extreme and severe smears.

The Defendant’s Defenses: Not Every Publication Is “Easy Money”

As a leading firm, we are committed to managing realistic expectations. The defendant may raise defenses set out in the law (Sections 14–15):

“Truth in publication”: if the statements are correct and there is real public interest in them.
Expression of opinion in good faith: protection for legitimate criticism that does not exceed the reasonable.

In addition, we carefully examine every file to ensure it is not considered a “SLAPP” (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation). Filing a claim intended only to intimidate critics may lead to the imposition of heavy costs against the plaintiff.

Frequently Asked Questions – Defamation Proceedings

Can a civil and a criminal proceeding be filed in parallel?

The law permits this, but the courts sometimes tend to stay one proceeding pending a decision in the other in order to prevent contradictory decisions. We build for you the strategy combining the two as needed, in accordance with the severity of the case.

What happens if the publisher deletes the offensive post?

You can sue even after the publication has been deleted, since the initial damage has already been caused. It is important to document the publication (a screenshot showing the distribution, likes, and comments) before deletion in order to substantiate the evidence in the file.

Is sharing a post considered defamation?

Absolutely. Israeli courts have held that the act of sharing constitutes a republication. Therefore, even those who shared malicious statements without writing them themselves may be liable for compensation toward the injured party.

Why Choose Vaknin Yariv Law Office to Manage the Proceeding?

Vaknin Yariv Law Office specializes in protecting the reputation of professionals and businesses. The Labor Law and Defamation department is led by Adv. Miriam Kanaan-Masalha. We combine deep legal knowledge with experience on the international stage through our branches in New York and Tbilisi.

A meeting with Adv. Yariv Vaknin and the department’s team will help you decide on the right strategy. We represent you thoroughly and professionally at our offices in Afula and Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4).

Has malicious content been published against you? Are you considering legal steps? Leave your details on the site or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824. We are here to protect your good name and your rights.

Israeli law grants every citizen rights alongside duties. A citizen who publishes defamatory statements against another person violates the law. Such an act exposes the publisher to legal proceedings and tort claims. In defamation lawsuits, the law allows victims to demand monetary compensation for the harm to their good name – sometimes even without proof of actual damage.

What Is Defamation Under the Law?

Many people mistakenly think defamation is only a matter of personal feeling. In practice, the Defamation Prohibition Law of 1965 precisely defines what constitutes a prohibited publication. Defamation is content that exceeds the bounds of substantive and legitimate criticism. Such content harms a person’s dignity, occupation, or public standing.

The law defines content as defamatory if it humiliates a person on grounds of age, gender, or religion. The publisher violates the law even if they published the statements in a social media post, in a video, or in a WhatsApp group.

Compensation Without Proof of Damage (Section 7A of the Law)

The law allows you to demand monetary compensation even without proof of actual damage. We base the claim on the fact of the offensive publication itself. The court may award damages on two main tracks (the amounts are linked to the index and updated from time to time):

Standard statutory compensation: the judge may award up to approximately NIS 75,000 in favor of the plaintiff.
Publication with malicious intent: if we prove that the publisher sought to harm you intentionally, the judge may award up to approximately NIS 150,000.

The judge sets the final amount according to the severity of the publication, the scope of distribution, and the extent of potential damage to your good name.

Guiding Case Law: What Have the Courts Determined?

Courts in Israel award significant compensation amounts in defamation lawsuits in order to deter publishers. Below are examples of trends in case law:

CA 89/04 Nodelman v. Sharansky: this is the foundational ruling of the Supreme Court in the field of defamation. The judgment first articulated the basic principles for awarding statutory compensation without proof of damage. To this day, this judgment remains the cornerstone of every defamation lawsuit in Israel.
Harm to professional reputation (Amnon Levy case): the courts are particularly strict when the publication harms a person’s professional integrity. In this judgment, the justices emphasized the publisher’s duty to clearly distinguish between presenting facts and expressing opinion. Harm to a person’s profession generally justifies high compensation in light of the potential financial damage.
Truth in publication defense (Krauss case): the courts held that the claim “I spoke the truth” is not sufficient on its own to protect the publisher. The publisher must also prove that there was a real public interest in the publication that justified the harm. Lack of public interest leads to rejection of the defense and to the publisher being ordered to pay full compensation in favor of the injured party.

A Claim with Proof of Actual Damage

In cases where the publication caused proven financial damage, we act on a track without a compensation cap. We present to the court evidence of actual financial losses. For example, a business owner who lost customers or contracts as a result of a smear presents the precise figures of the income decline. The judge assesses the full damage caused and awards compensation according to the severity of the financial harm.

Compensation Within a Private Criminal Complaint

The law also allows you to conduct a private criminal proceeding known as a “private criminal complaint.” We file the complaint directly with the magistrates’ court against the publisher. This procedure can lead to the criminal conviction of the publisher and, alongside it, monetary compensation of up to approximately NIS 75,000 in favor of the injured party. This is a powerful tool in cases of particularly serious smears.

Defenses the Publisher May Raise

Sometimes the publisher raises defenses recognized by law. We prepare the file in advance to deal with the following arguments:

“I spoke the truth”: the publisher claims that the publication is correct. We refute this or prove that there was no public interest in the publication that justified the harm.
“Expression of opinion”: the publisher claims legitimate criticism. We prove that the statements crossed the line into personally degrading harm.
“Good faith”: the publisher claims to have acted without intent to harm. We examine the circumstances of the publication to challenge this claim and prove negligence or malice.

Frequently Asked Questions – Compensation in Defamation Lawsuits

Can I sue if the publisher deleted the post?

Yes. We recommend documenting the publication immediately by means of a screenshot. Even after deletion, the initial damage has already been caused, and you are entitled to demand compensation for the harm created during the time the publication was online.

Are remedies other than monetary compensation available?

Absolutely. As part of the lawsuit, we frequently demand a mandatory injunction for the removal of the publication and the publication of an apology or correction of the defamatory statements. These steps assist in actually rehabilitating the good name.

Can one sue for defamation on WhatsApp?

Absolutely. Publication in a WhatsApp group meets the definition of “publication to the public.” Courts award significant compensation for smears in work groups, parents’ groups, or other digital platforms.

How long does the compensation procedure take?

A civil proceeding generally lasts between one and two years. Sometimes a professional warning letter from our firm leads to a quick settlement, including compensation and apology, without going to court.

Why Choose Vaknin Yariv Law Office to Manage the Claim?

Vaknin Yariv Law Office combines extensive litigation experience with a deep understanding of the digital arena. The Labor Law and Defamation department is led by Adv. Miriam Kanaan-Masalha. She specializes in protecting good names and managing complex reputation crises on social networks and the internet.

A meeting with the firm’s team will allow you to receive a professional response that precisely meets your needs. We represent you throughout the way – from the initial documentation to the receipt of the judgment. The firm operates branches in Afula, Bnei Brak (B.S.R 4), New York, and Tbilisi.

Has someone defamed your name? You may be entitled to compensation. Leave your details on the site or call Adv. Yariv Vaknin now for an initial consultation: 052-2288824. We are here to protect your good name and obtain for you the compensation you deserve.