Israeli Ambassador Accuses New York Times of Antisemitism in Gaza Coverage

Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter delivered a sharp critique of The New York Times on Sunday, accusing the publication of spreading a blood libel against Israel. Speaking at the Chabad movement's annual international conference in New Jersey, the ambassador warned that persistent allegations of genocide and starvation in the Gaza Strip could create an environment that encourages violence against Jewish communities.

Leiter recounted a contentious meeting he held with the newspaper's editorial board in November 2025. He described the atmosphere as hostile, noting that he attended the session despite initial doubts about its utility. According to the ambassador, 15 editors were present in the room while another six joined via video link. He stated that the group accused the Israeli government and its military of intentionally starving Palestinians and committing genocide.

The ambassador described his attempt to present factual data regarding humanitarian aid and military caution. He explained that he shared details about the daily volume of aid trucks entering Gaza and the measures taken by soldiers to minimize civilian casualties. Leiter summarized the dynamic of the meeting by stating that he brought facts while the editors brought feelings.

A significant point of contention during the discussion involved a photograph published on the front page of The New York Times in July 2025. The image featured Mohammed Zakaria al-Mutawaq, an 18-month-old Palestinian toddler who appeared severely underweight while held by his mother. The photograph became a widely recognized symbol of the hunger crisis in the region.

Leiter argued that the newspaper omitted crucial context by failing to disclose the child's preexisting medical conditions, which included a genetic disorder and cerebral palsy. He also pointed out that the image was cropped to exclude the child's healthy brother. Following the initial publication, the newspaper updated its reporting to clarify these medical details while maintaining that the toddler suffered from severe malnutrition due to shortages of food and medical care.

During the meeting, one editor reportedly challenged Leiter by stating that not everyone could be wrong. The ambassador responded that not everyone believed Israel was committing genocide, citing experts who have defended aspects of the military's conduct. He suggested that the perception of universal agreement on these accusations might be influenced by the newspaper's own coverage.

Leiter drew historical parallels between current accusations against Israel and antisemitic blood libels from the past. He stated that there is no difference between the demonization of Jews today and the treatment of Jewish communities in European ghettos. The ambassador claimed that these accusations serve to prepare the ground for future violence, noting that years of delegitimization preceded the events of the Holocaust.

In his address, the ambassador emphasized that the current campaign against Israel goes beyond traditional territorial disputes. He argued that the focus has shifted to questioning the very existence of the state. Regarding the slogan From the river to the sea, which has been chanted at demonstrations in the United States, Leiter contended that it implies the destruction of the Jewish people in the land rather than a call for compromise.

Concluding his remarks, the ambassador urged the assembled Chabad emissaries to actively confront antisemitism in its various forms. He described antisemitism as a mutating virus and warned that the generation has forgotten how to identify the enemy. He called on the community to recognize the growing threats and challenge hostile rhetoric wherever it appears.