New York Times defends journalist after Israel threatens to sue
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered legal action over a New York Times article that alleged Israeli security officials raped Palestinian detainees. The newspaper said it stood by its reporting and would defend the journalist.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered legal action over a New York Times article that alleged Israeli security officials had raped Palestinian detainees. Netanyahu described the article as false and defamatory.
In its response, the newspaper said the reporting was carried out in line with professional journalistic standards and was based on multiple sources. A spokesperson for The New York Times said the publication stood by its reporting and would defend the journalist. International press associations issued statements of support.
The legal process has reopened debate over press freedom, wartime reporting and the right of state institutions to seek legal redress against media outlets. The case will also be closely tracked for its implications for US-Israel public diplomacy. The court is expected to rule on the admissibility of the action in the coming weeks.
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