Israel to Pursue Legal Action Against New York Times for 'Dog Rape' Allegations Against Palestinians

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar displays a copy of The New York Times during a United Nations Security Council meeting at UN headquarters in New York City on August 5, 2025. (Photo credit: MICHAEL M. SANTIAGO/GETTY IMAGES)

By Shir Perets

May 14, 2026 15:19

Updated: May 14, 2026 16:22

Israel intends to file a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times following a column by Nicholas Kristof that alleged severe sexual mistreatment of Palestinians detained in Israeli facilities, according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office on Thursday.

The Prime Minister's Office labeled the claim as "one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel," noting that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar have directed officials to start drafting the legal complaint against the newspaper.

"They slandered Israel's soldiers and spread a blood libel involving rape, attempting to draw a false equivalence between Hamas's genocidal terrorists and Israel's brave troops," Netanyahu posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"Israel will not stay silent under my watch," he added.

Netanyahu has earlier criticized global media for echoing unverified reports on Israel's Gaza operations, remarking to international journalists in August that narratives from "Hamas lies" were gaining traction overseas.

The forthcoming suit will examine if the op-ed's assertions exceed protected opinion or critique, entering defamatory territory. Details remain unclear on the filing jurisdiction, requested compensation, or whether plaintiffs will include state entities or specific officials.

New York Times Stands by Controversial Columnist

The New York Times released a statement on Wednesday backing Kristof's piece, asserting that it compiles verified testimonies and references multiple reports on sexual violence and mistreatment by elements of Israel's security apparatus and settlers.

The outlet highlighted that the "thoroughly researched opinion article opens by urging readers: 'Whatever our views on the Middle East conflict, we should agree to denounce rape.'"

Furthermore, "Kristof's interviews with 14 men and women were cross-verified with additional witnesses where feasible, as well as with confidants such as relatives and attorneys," the statement continued.