Netanyahu Orders Defamation Lawsuit Against New York Times Over Kristof Column on Sexual Violence by Israeli Forces

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on May 14, 2026 that Israel would file a defamation lawsuit against the New York Times and columnist Nicholas Kristof over a May 13, 2026 op-ed titled 'The Silence That Meets the Rape of Palestinians.' The column detailed documented allegations of sexual violence by Israeli soldiers, prison guards, settlers, and interrogators against Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. Netanyahu denounced the column as a 'blood libel' and stated it constituted defamation of Israel and the IDF. The NYT defended the piece as extensively fact-checked and grounded in documented testimony, noting the sources included former Israeli military officers and UN investigators. The lawsuit represents an escalation of Israeli legal pressure on international media covering the Gaza war and occupation. Human Rights Watch and the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women had previously documented credible allegations of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees held in Israeli facilities. The move drew condemnation from press freedom organizations, who noted Israel's concerted effort to suppress reporting on documented military conduct.