Israel Announces Lawsuit Against New York Times Over Kristof Column

Israel's government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, said it will file a lawsuit against The New York Times. The suit targets an opinion piece by columnist Nicholas Kristof that alleged widespread sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli forces, including claims of dogs being used in assaults. Israeli officials described the article as "one of the most hideous and distorted lies ever published against the State of Israel in the modern press."

The New York Times rejected the accusations, calling the proposed lawsuit meritless. Pro‑Israel activists have staged demonstrations outside the newspaper's headquarters, demanding a retraction. The legal move occurs alongside Jerusalem Day celebrations in the city and ongoing regional tensions.

The dispute highlights a broader clash between Israeli officials and a major U.S. media outlet over reporting on the Gaza conflict.