Spread conspiracy theory about 7/10: Right-wing activist to pay damages to Maj. Gen. (res.) Israel Ziv

In the shadow of the conspiracy theory storm involving Sara Netanyahu against Yair Golan's actions on October 7, the Magistrate's Court in Kfar Saba ruled this morning (Thursday) that right-wing activist Ido Shiponi will pay damages totaling approximately 140,000 shekels to Maj. Gen. (res.) Israel Ziv for spreading a similar conspiracy theory against him.

The background to the defamation lawsuit filed by Ziv is a response posted by Shiponi on the X network in December 2024, in which he hinted at Ziv's claim that he and his friends knew in advance about the time the attack would break out on the morning of the massacre. Shiponi responded to a post published by Ziv himself, in which the Maj. Gen. (res.) described how he rushed south to assist in saving civilians together with Golan and Maj. Gen. (res.) Noam Tibon - in contrast to those who, according to him, fled to hide. Shiponi responded with a "rhetorical question" and even linked Ziv to someone he claimed was a spy.

With the assistance of attorney Tomer Barzik, Ziv filed his lawsuit in January 2025, seeking damages in the amount of 328,000 shekels. He argued that this was a false and inciting publication inviting readers to believe that he knew in advance about the attack, and that the link to a spy constitutes further defamation. Shiponi argued that this was a legitimate question and that the lawsuit was "an attempt to silence criticism."

In his ruling, Judge Ronen Peleg determined that Ziv is entitled to compensation without proof of damage according to Section 7a of the Prohibition of Defamation Law. Beyond the main compensation, the judge ordered Shiponi to reimburse Ziv for court fees (totaling approximately 8,300 shekels plus interest) as well as attorney's fees (totaling approximately 20,000 shekels plus VAT). In addition, he ordered him to pay a separate expense of ten thousand shekels to the state treasury, with the ruling stating that all payments must be settled within 30 days.

"I am pleased that the court awarded significant compensation to our firm's client, Maj. Gen. (res.) Israel Ziv, for the publication of a libel that harmed his good name as a brave fighter and as someone who charged into battle on October 7 with the goal of saving the lives of civilians and soldiers. It is time for people's hands to tremble over the keyboard when they invent libels and conspiracies about other people," stated attorney Tomer Barzik.