AI Dominates Israeli Election Campaigns, Study Finds

Artificial intelligence is playing a significant role in the current Israeli election campaigns, with major parties like Likud and Yesh Atid leading in its utilization for campaign content. This indicates that AI is not merely a supplementary tool but a central strategic element for these parties in shaping voter perception and maintaining public leadership.

The research, conducted by "It's in AI," a project of the Open University aimed at increasing transparency in AI use in political advertising, also highlights that smaller parties are leveraging AI as an effective shortcut for mass content production. The Economic Party, for instance, ranked third in AI usage, demonstrating its value for parties operating with smaller budgets seeking to gain public attention against more established parties.

Several prominent campaign videos have drawn scrutiny. A video featuring children accusing a minister of neglecting his duties due to reserve duty requirements was temporarily ordered removed by the Central Elections Committee on suspicion of violating the ban on using children under 15 in propaganda. AI was likely used in its creation.

Another video, attributed to "The Unity" party, replaced historical figures of the Likud movement with contemporary politicians. This video was also ordered removed for failing to properly disclose its use of AI tools.

Additionally, a campaign image by Naama Lazimi of The Democrats mimicked a Likud billboard, incorporating images of Qatari officials. Likud filed an urgent petition to have the material removed, but Lazimi voluntarily took it down, leading to the withdrawal of the petition.

The research is funded by the President Meir Shamgar Center for Digital Law and Innovation and the Edmond J. Safra Center for Ethics at Tel Aviv University, with support from The Bright Initiative of Bright Data.