Sara Netanyahu’s Legal Actions Against Journalist and Activist Spark Debate on Press Freedom

In March 2025, Sara Netanyahu, wife of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, filed for restraining orders against Haaretz journalist Uri Misgav and protest activist Nava Rozolio, alleging that their actions constituted harassment and posed a threat to her family’s safety. Netanyahu claimed that Misgav’s publications were obsessively focused on her personal life and that Rozolio engaged in unlawful surveillance, including managing a WhatsApp group that allegedly incited harm against her family.

The Jerusalem Magistrate’s Court initially granted a restraining order against Rozolio, barring her from approaching Netanyahu. However, in May 2025, the Jerusalem District Court overturned this decision, citing concerns of “excessive enforcement” and potential infringement on Rozolio’s rights as a protester.

These legal actions have intensified discussions about the balance between personal privacy and freedom of the press in Israel. Critics argue that such measures could be used to suppress legitimate journalism and political dissent, especially given the government’s recent directives for officials to boycott Haaretz, a publication known for its critical stance toward the Netanyahu administration.

The situation underscores the ongoing tension between government figures and media outlets in Israel, raising questions about the limits of press freedom and the rights of individuals to protest and report on public figures.