Israeli Reporter Emanuel Fabian Receives Death Threats from Polymarket Bettors Over Iran Missile Report
Israeli military correspondent Emanuel Fabian, writing for The Times of Israel, has publicly detailed receiving multiple death threats from Polymarket gamblers. The threats came after he reported an Iranian missile striking an open area near Beit Shemesh on March 10. Bettors contacted him through email, social media, and WhatsApp, demanding he revise the article to say the missile was intercepted so their bets would win. Fabian refused to change his reporting, which relied on confirmed statements from Israeli rescue services and military sources, and immediately filed a police complaint with all evidence.
$14 Million Polymarket Prediction Market on Iran Strike Triggers Threats and Manipulation Concerns
The death threats are directly connected to a massive Polymarket contract titled “Iran strikes Israel on…?” that had attracted more than $14 million in trading volume. Market rules clearly stated that only a direct Iranian missile, drone, or airstrike on Israeli soil would resolve as “yes,” while intercepted projectiles did not qualify. Gamblers attempted to pressure the journalist to alter facts in order to influence the resolution, raising serious alarms about how prediction markets are now intersecting with journalism and real-world geopolitical events.
Reporter Stands Firm, Files Police Report as Polymarket Bans Involved Accounts
Despite receiving dozens of aggressive messages, including direct warnings that he would be “finished” if the story was not changed, Emanuel Fabian refused to modify his accurate reporting. He stood by the verified information from Israeli authorities and has handed over all threatening communications to police investigators. Polymarket has since banned the accounts responsible, confirmed it will share details with authorities, and described the threats as a serious violation of its terms of service.
US Lawmakers Introduce Death Bets Act to Ban War and Death Prediction Markets
This alarming incident has accelerated legislative action in Washington DC. Senators Adam Schiff and Chris Murphy, along with Representative Mike Levin, have introduced the “Death Bets Act,” a bill that would prohibit prediction markets on war, assassinations, deaths, or military strikes. Critics highlight how platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi, which now handle nearly $20 billion in monthly volume, create dangerous incentives for manipulation and violence. The controversy comes after similar issues with U.S. strike markets and other sensitive contracts, pushing regulators to act swiftly.
