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Netanyahu Sues Israeli Media Over Reports He Was Warned Ahead Of Oct. 7 Attack
The suit seeks NIS 2.6 million and says the reports falsely claimed he ignored warnings from UAE and Egyptian officials before the Oct. 7 attacks.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu filed a NIS 2.6 million defamation lawsuit in the Jerusalem District Court against major Israeli media outlets and six journalists, alleging they falsely reported he received forewarning of the October 7 attacks.
The lawsuit targets reports claiming United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed warned Netanyahu in late September 2023 of a major operation, and that Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamel personally issued warnings shortly before the attack.
Netanyahu describes the allegations as "two blood libels," maintaining that no such contacts occurred, while media defendants argue their reporting was based on extensive investigation and serves the public interest.
Defendants have 60 days from formal service to submit their defense statements to the court, as the filing joins other litigation involving former Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar during this election period.
Netanyahu contends these reports are part of a fabricated political campaign by rivals on the eve of the election, claiming efforts to interfere with Israel's political stability.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu instituted a defamation suit against several Israeli media outlets, which previously revealed that he had received advance warnings prior to the attack on 7 October 2023 by the Al-Aqsa Flood.
(Cairo=Yonhap News) Correspondent Kim Sang-hoon = Benya, cornered by revelations that he ignored prior warnings regarding Hamas's surprise attack on October 7, 2023...