Sara Netanyahu demands 5 million shekels from Jerusalem arson case defendant
In Israel, Sara Netanyahu, through her lawyer, rejected a demand for an apology from Eyal Giler, one of the defendants in the case involving fires near the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem. She issued a counter-demand for payment of 5 million Israeli shekels, The Jerusalem Post reports.
Dispute over statements about intent to kill
Giler is one of four defendants in the case involving fires during a September 3, 2025 protest calling for the release of hostages. According to the prosecution, the individuals planned to set fires at six locations near the residence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem’s Rehavia neighborhood.
According to the publication, five recycling containers were set on fire. The prosecution alleges that the fire damaged vegetation and other property, nearly destroyed a vehicle, and posed a threat to residents of a neighboring building, who were evacuated. The indictment described the plan as creating a “ring of fire,” but the prosecution did not state that the defendants intended to kill Netanyahu or members of his family.
In an interview with Channel 14 on August 31, Sara Netanyahu called the incident a “ring of fire around our house” and said that, in her view, the intention of those involved was murder. Giler subsequently sent her a pre-litigation demand to retract the statements, apologize, and pay 100,000 shekels. His lawyers said that if she refused, they would file a defamation lawsuit seeking at least 1 million shekels.
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Lawyer’s counter-demand
Sara Netanyahu’s lawyer, Uriel Nizri, rejected the defamation allegations. According to him, she presented her understanding of the incident and described the danger she felt for herself and her family. Nizri said that Netanyahu would not apologize, retract her words, or pay Giler.
The lawyer also said that Giler’s pre-litigation letter itself provides grounds for a defamation lawsuit on Netanyahu’s behalf. He demanded 5 million shekels from Giler and said that no lawsuit would be filed if he paid that amount. Nizri added that if Giler is convicted, Netanyahu plans to file a civil lawsuit based on the criminal proceedings.
Giler is accused of pouring flammable liquid into a recycling container, adding fuel-soaked materials, and setting them on fire. According to the prosecution, the fire damaged a stone wall and an awning. Among the offenses attributed to the defendants are arson, malicious property damage, damage to a vehicle, and obstruction of justice.
