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1h ago

Israel Plans Defamation Suit Against New York Times Over Kristof Column

Legal scholars say any foreign-government libel case in U.S. courts would face steep First Amendment barriers.

The New York Times logo is seen on the building's facade in New York City on January 22, 2026.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a ceremony commemorating Israel’s Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers, or Yom HaZikaron, at the Military Cemetery on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem April 21, 2026. ILIA YEFIMOVICH/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo
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Overview

  • Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instructed legal advisers Thursday to prepare legal action against the Times and columnist Nicholas Kristof over a piece alleging widespread sexual abuse of Palestinian detainees.
  • The New York Times stood by the column, saying 14 interview accounts were corroborated, extensively fact-checked, and cross-referenced with reporting, rights research, and in one case United Nations testimony.
  • No lawsuit has been filed publicly and officials have not said where it would be brought, while legal experts note Israel would need to prove actual malice and overcome jurisdiction and enforcement challenges.
  • Israeli officials and watchdogs attacked the sourcing, pointing to groups such as Euro‑Med Human Rights Monitor and alleging ties to Hamas, claims the Times rejects as it defends its verification.
  • Public fallout grew as pro‑Israel groups protested outside the Times’ New York headquarters Thursday after the column ran the day before an Israeli civil commission released new findings on Hamas sexual crimes.