In a heated interview with Fox News, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashed out at The New York Times, threatening legal action over what he described as “blood libel” in its coverage of the war in Gaza.
The prime minister’s fury centers on a controversial front-page photo published by the Times depicting an emaciated Palestinian child — an image that quickly went viral and fueled global outrage over Israel’s military operations in the territory.
However, days after the image’s publication, the Times issued a quiet correction, noting that the child in question had long-standing pre-existing health conditions unrelated to the ongoing conflict. The admission sparked widespread criticism, with pro-Israel voices accusing the newspaper of manipulating public opinion and inciting antisemitism through misleading reporting.
“This is not journalism; it’s propaganda. It’s a modern-day blood libel,” Netanyahu told Fox. “Publishing that image without context, and then correcting it silently, is not just irresponsible — it’s dangerous.”
The phrase “blood libel” refers to a historically antisemitic myth that Jews murdered Christian children for ritual purposes — a slander that fueled centuries of violence against Jewish communities. Netanyahu’s use of the term underscores the depth of his anger at what he views as a deliberate attempt to vilify Israel.
Media watchdogs and press freedom advocates are watching closely, as any lawsuit could have significant implications for journalistic accountability in conflict zones. Meanwhile, the Times has yet to issue a public response to Netanyahu’s legal threat.
As the war in Gaza drags on and global scrutiny intensifies, tensions between Israel and major international media outlets appear to be reaching a boiling point — with truth, perception, and politics colliding on the world stage.
