Netanyahu Threatens Legal Action Against New York Times Over Gaza Hunger Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened to sue The New York Times over its reporting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, accusing the newspaper of defaming Israel and spreading misinformation.

In an interview with Fox News on Thursday, Netanyahu responded sharply to a July 24 front-page report by the Times, which highlighted growing hunger and malnutrition in Gaza. The article featured a photo of 18-month-old Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawaq, described as severely malnourished. His mother was quoted saying the child had been “born healthy.”

Later reports revealed the child also suffered from cerebral palsy and a genetic disorder—details not initially disclosed. On July 30, the Times added an editor’s note clarifying the child’s full medical history and removed the mother’s quote.

Netanyahu criticized the correction as insufficient, calling it “the size of a postage stamp,” and claimed the original report falsely portrayed Israel as intentionally starving civilians.

“The New York Times should be sued,” he said. “I’m actually looking into whether a country can sue the New York Times… It’s such clear defamation.”

Netanyahu insisted there is no Israeli policy of starvation in Gaza, adding that humanitarian aid has continued throughout the conflict. He blamed Hamas for diverting supplies and worsening the humanitarian situation.

The New York Times defended its reporting, stating that the correction was made once new information became available, and reaffirmed the accuracy of its broader coverage.

“Children in Gaza are malnourished and starving, as our reporters and others have documented,” a Times spokesperson said. “This criticism is part of an increasingly common playbook used to pressure independent journalism.”

The controversy unfolds amid continued warnings from the United Nations and aid agencies about dire conditions in Gaza, including food shortages, limited access to clean water, and collapsing medical infrastructure. While Israel blames Hamas, critics argue that Israeli restrictions and military operations are the primary cause of the worsening crisis.

The potential lawsuit would be reminiscent of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s 1983 libel case against Time magazine, which ended without damages despite a jury finding that Time published a false statement.

The story has sparked debate, with pro-Israel groups and some U.S. lawmakers defending Netanyahu and accusing the Times of bias. Meanwhile, press freedom advocates warn that such legal threats could intimidate journalists and suppress critical reporting on humanitarian issues.