Defamation Defence & SLAPP Claims · Legal briefing
Assessing SLAPP Claims & Procedural Responses
By Adv. Yechiel Rachamim Menahemov & Adv. Assaf ShpigelPublished:
The practical dilemma
A substantial defamation claim follows a consumer review or public-interest disclosure and appears intended to intimidate.
The legal position
In Civil Leave to Appeal 1954/24 Vaknin v Kibbutz Nir David, decided 7 January 2025, the Court discussed abusive strategic claims, dismissal in clear cases and substantial costs where established. Indicators are not an automatic cumulative formula. The appeal in that case was dismissed because further factual inquiry was needed. A large claim alone is not necessarily a SLAPP, and early dismissal or payment is not guaranteed. Official source 1
Your next step
Assess merits, claimed sum, actual harm, power imbalance and conduct. Preserve public-interest and threat evidence. Prepare a targeted application alongside a substantive defence and observe all filing dates.