Israeli Police Officer Files Half-Million-Shekel Libel Lawsuits Against Online Critics
An Israeli police officer who filed multiple libel lawsuits against online critics faces scrutiny as a judge examines whether the legal action constitutes a SLAPP suit.
A police officer who served at protests against the judicial overhaul and became embroiled in altercations with demonstrators has filed six libel lawsuits against 30 citizens who criticized him online, seeking a total of approximately half a million shekels. While some of the lawsuits have already been decided, in one ongoing proceeding, a judge unusually asked the Association for Civil Rights in Israel to weigh in on whether the case constitutes a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) and to join as an amicus curiae.
Deputy President of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Magistrate's Court, Judge Avi Shalev, explained that during a hearing on the lawsuit, the issue arose regarding the chilling effect such legal actions might have on free speech, and whether insults such as "mentally ill, scum, garbage can," and "rag" directed at the officer constitute defamation under the law.
The lawsuits stem from two incidents in July 2023 when Officer Doron Ozeri, serving as the operations coordinator for the Sderot police station, faced intense online criticism. In the first incident, while issuing a ticket to a demonstrator at the Bnei Dror junction who refused to disperse, Ozeri engaged in a tense exchange. When the demonstrator asked if he would shoot protesters in the head if ordered, Ozeri responded with a sarcastic remark. In a second incident captured on video, Ozeri warned a demonstrator that she would be arrested for shouting and singing.
Following these events, online commentators hurled severe abuse at Ozeri and alleged that he had stated a willingness to shoot Jewish protesters. In response, Ozeri filed defamation suits totaling 474,000 shekels. One lawsuit has already concluded in his favor, with a court ordering a defendant to pay 43,000 shekels for spreading false claims that the officer intended to shoot protesters, while another was settled out of court.
In the ongoing 84,000-shekel lawsuit against seven individuals, Judge Shalev invited the Association for Civil Rights in Israel to submit an opinion. Attorney Hagar Schchter of the association argued that the multiplicity of lawsuits and their fragmentation across courts raise concerns about deterring citizens from criticizing law enforcement. She emphasized that public criticism, even when harsh, is vital to protect against the chilling effect, especially when directed at armed state authorities wielding coercive power.
Representing Officer Ozeri, attorney Yoni Gorno sharply criticized the involvement of the civil rights group, calling it a transparent attempt to legitimize severe online shaming and harassment of law enforcement personnel. Gorno maintained that insults and fabricated blood libels do not constitute legitimate criticism but rather blatant defamation, and emphasized that his client will continue to vigorously defend his reputation in court.
