New York Times Rejects Israeli Libel Threat

Rejects Israeli Libel Threat

The on Thursday dismissed a libel lawsuit threat from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who accused the newspaper of publishing "hideous and distorted lies" regarding an article on alleged sexual assaults against Palestinian detainees. The newspaper stated that any such legal claim would be "without merit," following Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's announcement of initiating a defamation lawsuit.

The dispute stems from a Monday article by Nicholas Kristof, which detailed a pattern of alleged widespread Israeli sexual violence against Palestinians by soldiers, settlers, interrogators, and prison guards. The characterized the threat as part of a "well-worn political playbook" designed to undermine independent reporting and stifle journalism that challenges specific narratives.

Israeli politicians and media reacted strongly to the article. Israel's ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, criticized Kristof and the for alleged violations of journalistic standards.

Legal experts in Israel indicated that while the state could pursue a civil claim, the likelihood of success is low due to legal protections for freedom of speech and the high burden of proof required for the newspaper to demonstrate the absolute truth of its reporting or strict adherence to journalistic standards.