Netanyahu considers suing NY Times over distorted coverage of Gaza humanitarian situation

Netanyahu: “I am actually looking into whether a country can sue The New York Times … I think it’s such clear defamation.”

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News that, in his opinion, The New York Times defamed Israel with its misleading coverage of the Gaza war and that he is exploring ways to file a suit against the publication.

“The New York Times should be sued,” Netanyahu told Bill Hemmer of Fox News on Thursday, and said, “I am actually looking into whether a country can sue The New York Times … I think it’s such clear defamation.”

Netanyahu was referring to a July 24 cover story featuring an “emaciated” 18-month-old named Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawaq.

After an investigative report by David Collier proved that the child was suffering from cerebral palsy, a genetic condition accounting for the child’s gaunt appearance that had no connection to the war, The New York Times published a retraction — but not on its main X account, meaning the majority of the publication’s audience would not have seen it.

In the print version, Netanyahu described the retraction as being “the size of a postage stamp,” something that could hardly have undone the damage of the original story.

“Israel is presented as though we are applying a campaign of starvation in Gaza,” Netanyahu said. “What a boldfaced lie. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza.”

Netanyahu insisted that Israel has provided aid “throughout the duration of the war,” but Hamas is looting the humanitarian packages.

The New York Times defended its coverage of the situation in Gaza, saying, “Mr. Netanyahu is referring to an update we made to a story about how the food crisis is affecting the civilian population.

“After publication, we learned that a child shown in that story — in addition to being severely malnourished — also had pre-existing health problems. That additional information gave readers a greater understanding of his situation.”

The Times criticized Netanyahu for “attempts to threaten independent media providing vital information and accountability to the public,” saying it was “unfortunately an increasingly common playbook.”