Tel Aviv Magistrate’s Court Judge Ilan Ronen on Wednesday ordered Sylvie Genesia, a former worker at the Prime Minister’s Residence, to pay Sara Netanyahu NIS 100,000 in damages for defamation - a ruling delivered on procedural grounds after Genesia failed to submit her closing summations despite extensions granted by the court.
Ilan also ordered Genesia to pay an additional NIS 20,000 in legal costs, while stressing that the award did not reflect a substantive acceptance of Netanyahu’s claims, but rather the consequence of the defendant’s ongoing failure to meet court deadlines.
The lawsuit was filed in 2020 and sought NIS 200,000, after Netanyahu accused Genesia - who, according to the claim, worked at the residence for about two months in 2019 - of publishing defamatory statements, breaching confidentiality, and infringing privacy.
Genesia has publicly alleged she was humiliated during her employment, including claims that Netanyahu insulted her intelligence and shouted at her over laundry, allegations Netanyahu denied.
Genesia argued in her defense that the lawsuit was intended to deter her and others from publicly criticizing Netanyahu, following statements she had made about her employment.
Genesia’s attorney has since asked the court to overturn the ruling, saying he was unable to file summations due to extended reserve duty and medical leave. He wrote that he was absent from his office for 191 days in 2025 and for roughly 340 days since October 7, 2023, while serving in a combat unit, and attached supporting documents.
Genesia appeals Netanyahu defamation ruling to reopen case
The request argues that Genesia should not be penalized without a full hearing, saying the failure to file summations was beyond her control and that her defense has strong prospects based on the evidence already presented.
The request further warns that enforcing the judgment now could cause irreversible harm, including because recovering funds later may be difficult if the ruling is ultimately overturned.
The defamation case has unfolded alongside separate litigation between Genesia and Netanyahu in other forums, including proceedings in which Netanyahu has testified and disputed Genesia’s allegations. A decision is pending on whether to overturn the judgment and reopen the case.