The military correspondent for the Times of Israel, Emanuel Fabian, reported that users of the prediction market platform Polymarket threatened him with violence. They demanded he alter his report on the Iranian missile strike near Beit Shemesh, Israel, which occurred on March 10.
According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and rescue services, the missile struck an open area near the city. Over $14 million was wagered on the event, and users who bet on the absence of a strike insisted that the journalist rewrite his article, claiming the missile had been intercepted.
In an effort to pressure the journalist, users fabricated screenshots of his correspondence, attempted to bribe him through a colleague, and issued threats that included personal details about his family and residence. One individual even claimed he was willing to spend $900,000 to pursue the journalist.
Polymarket has since blocked the accounts of those involved and reported the matter to the authorities. The Israeli police are currently conducting an investigation.