האם אני זכאי להחזר חלקי מהשכירות אחרי ביטול חוזה דירה?

On Dec 5th I signed a contract that mentioned a clausule where I agree to a 1000 NIS payment if I decide to break the contract before one year and to give a 60 days period of previous announcement. The monthly rent is 2600 NIS per month and the contract start was Jan 1st 2009 , the first payment was given on the day of signature as per the contract terms.On Dec 7th, due to external causes, I was forced to request the cancellation of the contract while the flat owner have 2600 NIS of my own and I cancelled all other cheques.Since then I have been dealing with him to reach a friendly agreement where he held 1000 NIS and transfer me back 1600 NIS. He already found a new person that is about to sign, so basically, other than the lose of time and efforts there is no other damage as he will have someone living on his flat on Jan 1st.However, now he claims that since he signed a less advantageous contract (2500 NIS per month + painting before start) he want to keep my 2600 NIS as per the 'damage' I have caused to him.As per the contract terms, I know that the full amount of the contract break is more than 2600 NIS, but taking in account that he will not suffer from any time without rent, and that the advise was given only two days after signature, I want to know if I am legally entitled to request part of my 2600 NIS or if they are gone for good.