Veteran Journalist Rafi Ginat Sues Activists Over Fake Netanyahu Endorsement
Veteran journalist Rafi Ginat has filed a 360,000 shekel defamation lawsuit against two activists over a viral fake campaign falsely claiming he supports Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Veteran journalist and media figure Rafi Ginat has filed a defamation lawsuit at the Tel Aviv Magistrate's Court, demanding 360,000 shekels in damages over a fabricated social media campaign linking him to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The lawsuit, filed through attorney Paz Mozer, targets two prominent right-wing activists: Likud activist Rami Ben-Yehuda and social media user Yigal Suissa. Ginat is seeking 180,000 shekels from each defendant. The legal action follows the viral spread of a manipulated graphic across X, Facebook, and Instagram on October 24.
Fabricated Quote and Political Reality
The forged poster featured Ginat's photograph alongside a fabricated quote mimicking his well-known investigative style: "I know how to spot fraudsters and I know how to spot leaders. In the upcoming elections, I will vote for Benjamin Netanyahu."
In stark contrast to the viral post, Ginat is a vocal supporter of MK Gadi Eisenkot, frequently accompanying him on tours across the country and hosting political events on his behalf. Suissa allegedly amplified the deception by adding a banner reading "Benjamin Netanyahu is my prime minister" accompanied by the song "You Won't Defeat Me."
Damage to Professional Integrity
Ginat's legal team emphasized that the deliberate distribution of fake news was designed to reap political capital at the expense of a journalist whose entire professional reputation rests on credibility and public trust.
