What are ToI's guiding principles in covering 'blood libels'?

In this episode of The Times of Israel Daily Briefing, host Amanda Borchel-Dan engages founding editor David Horowitz in a deep dive into Israel's political landscape and journalistic integrity. The conversation begins with a breakdown of the ongoing political crisis surrounding the potential early dissolution of the Knesset, driven by an ultra-Orthodox faction's decision to withdraw from the coalition. Horowitz explains the complex legislative maneuvering, emphasizing that Prime Minister Netanyahu likely benefits from pushing elections to early September to avoid the shadow of October 7th, while also navigating the religious calendar and secular school schedules. The discussion then shifts to Netanyahu’s controversial visit to the UAE during wartime, which the UAE denies, prompting Horowitz to argue that such denials are often politically convenient. He also critiques the assessment by Nikolai Mladenov, head of the Gaza Board of Peace, who warns Hamas has strengthened post-ceasefire, painting a bleak picture for reconstruction efforts in Gaza. The episode culminates in a critical examination of Nicholas Kristof’s New York Times op-ed alleging sexual violence by Israeli soldiers in Palestinian prisons. Horowitz defends The Times of Israel’s editorial stance—investigating, contextualizing, and questioning credibility without amplifying unverified claims—while emphasizing the paper’s commitment to rigorous sourcing, even when confronting high-profile, damaging allegations. He stresses that while the op-ed format allows for opinion, it should not bypass factual rigor, especially when the claims are implausible or based on dubious sources.