Death Threats Against Journalist Highlight Risks of Prediction Markets

Emanuel Fabian, a military correspondent for The Times of Israel, received death threats from bettors on the prediction market platform Polymarket after he reported on an Iranian missile strike near Beit Shemesh on March 10, 2026. The threats emerged in response to his report, which stated that the missile struck an open area, causing no injuries. This report was critical as it influenced a Polymarket contract titled “Iran strikes Israel on…?” that had over $14 million in wagers. The contract would resolve to “Yes” if an Iranian missile hit Israeli territory, but intercepted missiles would not count.

Polymarket Bettors Threaten Reporter Over Missile StoryPolymarket users try manipulate Israeli journalist with death threats, reportThe $14M Polymarket Bet That Got A Journalist Threatened At GunpointBenzingaGizmodoTimes of IsraelGamblers Threaten Journalist Over Bets

Following the publication of his article, Fabian was contacted by multiple individuals demanding he alter his report to state that the missile was intercepted, which would change the outcome of the bet in their favor. The situation escalated when one bettor, using the name Haim, sent threatening messages via WhatsApp, stating, “After you make us lose $900,000 we will invest no less than that to finish you.” Other messages included explicit threats to his life and references to his family, prompting Fabian to file a police report.

Gamblers Threaten Journalist Over Bets

Polymarket publicly condemned the threats against Fabian, stating, “This behavior violates our terms of service and has no place on our platform or anywhere else.” The platform emphasized that the integrity of independent reporting is essential for the functioning of prediction markets. However, they did not address inquiries regarding their cooperation with law enforcement or measures to prevent such incidents.

Times of Israel

This incident raises significant concerns about the integrity of prediction markets, particularly those tied to geopolitical events. Critics argue that such markets create incentives for manipulation and insider trading. For instance, two Israelis were indicted for allegedly using classified information to place bets on Polymarket regarding military actions. Additionally, U.S. lawmakers have introduced the DEATH BETS Act, which seeks to prohibit contracts related to war, terrorism, and assassination.

The $14M Polymarket Bet That Got A Journalist Threatened At Gunpoint

Fabian expressed concern that the pressure he faced could lead other journalists to compromise their integrity under similar circumstances. He noted a previous case where an Israeli reservist was arrested for insider trading related to Polymarket bets. The ongoing investigation into the threats against him underscores the potential dangers journalists face in an environment where financial stakes can lead to coercive tactics.

Gamblers Threaten Journalist Over Bets

While Fabian's report has been corroborated by official sources, including the Israeli military, the ongoing dispute over the Polymarket contract remains unresolved. The platform's oracle system is expected to determine the final outcome, but the integrity of such systems is now under scrutiny due to the threats and manipulation attempts.

Polymarket Bettors Threaten Reporter Over Missile Story

• “The attempt by these gamblers to pressure me to change my reporting so that they would win their bet did not and will not succeed.” — Emanuel Fabian, Military Correspondent, The Times of Israel

Polymarket users try manipulate Israeli journalist with death threats, report

• “Polymarket condemns the harassment and threats directed at Emanuel Fabian, or anyone else for that matter.” — Polymarket Spokesperson

Times of Israel

This incident serves as a cautionary tale about the intersection of journalism and financial speculation, highlighting the need for robust protections for reporters in the face of potential coercion.

Gamblers Threaten Journalist Over Bets