Jerusalem, 17 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — The Netanya Magistrate’s Court dismissed a defamation suit filed by Said Issa, former chairman of Kafr Qasem’s popular committee, against journalist Meir Ettinger, ordering Issa to pay 15,000 shekels (about $5,000) in legal fees.
Issa had sued over Ettinger’s 2022 report claiming he helped organize a welcome-home celebration for a released terrorist convicted of aiding in killing and attempting to kidnap soldiers for Hamas.
The court found Issa’s testimony “convoluted, halting, and inconsistent,” contradicting real-time publications and evidence, and ruled he did take part in the celebration.
Key evidence included a committee Facebook post congratulating the released prisoner, alongside a photo of Issa standing with him outside his home. Ettinger was represented by attorney Eladi Weisel of the Honenu legal aid organization, who argued the report was protected as truthful, good-faith, responsible journalism.