Israeli officials are preparing a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times following an op-ed that alleged rape and sexual abuse of Palestinians by Israeli military and prison personnel.
Defamation Allegations
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar have directed the initiation of the lawsuit. The Israel Foreign Ministry announced this move in an X post on Thursday.
Netanyahu accused the Times of defaming Israeli soldiers and perpetuating a “blood libel” by equating them with Hamas terrorists. The op-ed by Nicholas Kristof published on Monday includes accounts from 14 Palestinians alleging sexual violence by Israeli forces.
Details from the Op-Ed
The column described various abuses beyond rape, including genital abuse and brutal beatings. Kristof cited surveys corroborating these claims. The timing of the op-ed, coinciding with a government report on sexual violence by Hamas, was criticized by Israel’s Foreign Ministry.
Previous Legal Threats
Netanyahu has previously threatened legal actions against the paper. Last year, he considered suing over coverage of Gaza's hunger crisis, labeling it as defamation. A subsequent editors' note clarified that the featured malnourished child also had pre-existing health issues.
Potential Legal Proceedings
If the lawsuit proceeds, it could involve subpoenas for communications, detention records, and official testimonies. The Times has defended its reporting as crucial for public accountability, stating that its journalists report under difficult conditions to highlight war consequences.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/israel-lawsuit-new-york-times-op-ed-1236595987/
