politics
March 7, 2026
BBC Middle East editor’s ‘Israeli propaganda’ court case begins
A BBC editor and avowed Mossad admirer is suing a UK journalist, seeking the retraction of a story accusing him of pro-Israel bias
TL;DR
- BBC Middle East editor Raffi Berg is suing journalist Owen Jones for defamation.
- Berg claims Jones's article accused him of inserting 'systematic Israeli propaganda' into BBC coverage.
- Berg is seeking damages and a retraction of Jones's article.
- Jones's article cited anonymous BBC employees who alleged Berg 'micromanages' Israel-related stories and promotes pro-Israel bias.
- Berg admitted in 2020 to being an 'admirer of the state of Israel' and having connections to Mossad.
- The UK High Court heard arguments from both parties.
- Berg stated the article 'singled [him] out' and caused him 'hatred, intimidation and threats'.
- Jones's attorney argued the article was focused on BBC's Gaza coverage and not a general attack on Berg's journalistic standards.
- The BBC defended Berg, stating Jones's allegations 'misdescribe' his role and misunderstand BBC operations.
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