Story perspectives

Israel Sues NYT; Ireland Boycotts Eurovision, Hamas Commander Killed

5/16/2026

Summary

Story summary

Israel, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, will sue New York Times in New York over Nicholas Kristof’s column alleging Israeli forces’ sexual abuse.
Legal experts say U.S. defamation law’s actual-malice requirement makes the case hard for officials.
Ireland’s RTÉ announced a Eurovision boycott, deeming Israel’s participation unconscionable, while Israel’s military said an air strike killed Hamas commander Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, architect of October 7 attacks.

History

Historical Context

In 1964 the Supreme Court’s New York Times Co. v. Sullivan created the actual-malice rule shielding media when reporting on public officials. That precedent, also cited in the 1971 Pentagon Papers case, underlies Israel’s 2024 defamation lawsuit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar against the Times over its Gaza coverage. The ruling could reshape future nation-media disputes.

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Story summary

Israel, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, will sue New York Times in New York over Nicholas Kristof’s column alleging Israeli forces’ sexual abuse.
Legal experts say U.S. defamation law’s actual-malice requirement makes the case hard for officials.
Ireland’s RTÉ announced a Eurovision boycott, deeming Israel’s participation unconscionable, while Israel’s military said an air strike killed Hamas commander Izz ad-Din al-Haddad, architect of October 7 attacks.

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