Netanyahu Sues Media Outlets Over October 7th Warning Claims

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has filed defamation lawsuits totaling 2.6 million shekels against ten media organizations and journalists. The lawsuits stem from publications alleging that Netanyahu received warnings prior to the October 7th Hamas attack and failed to relay them to the security establishment. Netanyahu vehemently denies these claims, calling them "utter falsehoods" and "absolute lies."

In a statement posted on his X account, Netanyahu asserted that these "lies" are being disseminated intentionally on the eve of elections by political rivals and hostile foreign entities. He believes the goal is to topple his right-wing government and install a left-wing coalition that would establish a Palestinian state. Netanyahu stated that both the UAE and Egypt have denied the alleged warnings, emphasizing their falsity.

He further claimed that as election day approaches, more falsehoods will be spread to obscure the "real question" of the election: "It's either right-wing, or Palestine." Netanyahu urged his supporters to vote for his Likud party to ensure a right-wing government and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

The lawsuits were filed in the Jerusalem District Court and target publications from "Haaretz," ynet, and Channel 12 News, as well as journalists Shlomi Eldar, Ruti Yuval, Nadav Eyal, Barak Ravid, Uri Misgav, and Attila Somfalvi. "Haaretz," in response to a pre-litigation letter, has rejected the demand to retract its reporting and stands by its investigation.