Journalist reports threats over Polymarket bets

Times of Israel military correspondent Emanuel Fabian reported that users of the prediction market platform Polymarket threatened him, demanding he change his report on an Iranian missile strike near Beit Shemesh (Israel) on March 10. According to the IDF and rescue services, the missile hit an open area near the city. More than $14 million was wagered on the event, and users who bet on no strike pressured the journalist to rewrite the article, claiming the missile had been intercepted.

Pressure linked to Polymarket bets

What happened

On March 10, a powerful explosion occurred near Beit Shemesh following an Iranian missile strike. According to rescue services, the projectile landed in a forested area about 500 meters from residential homes, with no injuries reported.

In his report, the journalist stated that the missile hit an open area. However, some Polymarket users insisted it had been intercepted, since under the platform’s rules such cases do not count as a confirmed strike.

Connection to the prediction market

The bets were tied to the event “Iran strikes Israel on March 10.” The total volume exceeded $14 million. Users who selected “no” attempted to influence the report to change the outcome.

Attempts to alter the report

Messages and emails

The journalist received a series of emails asking him to change the wording and state that the missile had been intercepted. The senders claimed the report was inaccurate.

Later, similar requests appeared on social media and messaging platforms. Some users referred to fabricated sources and distorted the content of prior communication.

Fabricated evidence

To increase pressure, users created fake screenshots of email exchanges in which the journalist allegedly admitted an error and agreed to update the report. These images were circulated online.

Escalation of threats

Threats and intimidation

The journalist began receiving direct threats demanding changes to the article. Messages included references to his family and home address. One individual claimed readiness to spend up to $900,000 on targeting him.

There were also attempts to apply pressure through colleagues, who were offered compensation to influence the author.

Police involvement

After the threats intensified, the journalist contacted the police and provided all evidence. Israeli police launched an investigation.

Polymarket’s response

Account bans

The Polymarket platform stated that it had banned accounts involved in the threats and shared their data with the relevant authorities.

Company stance

The company said such actions violate its rules and are unacceptable. It also stressed that attempts to pressure journalists undermine the integrity of prediction markets.