A major newspaper’s careful reporting on a recent security incident contrasts sharply with its willingness to publish baseless accusations against Israel, regardless of how unfounded or inflammatory they may be. While the handling of the foiled hijacking demonstrated responsible journalism, the same outlet has repeatedly given platform to reckless and unsubstantiated claims about Israeli actions. The disparity raises questions about editorial standards when it comes to covering conflicts involving Israel, where even the most extreme allegations often slip past scrutiny. Readers may wonder how such claims—ranging from absurd to outright defamatory—continue to appear without proper fact-checking or context.
It is good, heartening even, that the Times handled last week's foiled hijacking with care and caution. Yet somehow, it seems no claim about supposed Israeli perfidy is too stupid, outrageous, or ridiculous to make its way into the Times.
