Israeli Election Campaigns Adapt to Rapid Digital Pace, Experts Say

Three strategic advisors who have managed campaigns for major parties in past Israeli elections shared insights into the current political landscape, noting that while technology has accelerated the pace of campaigning, the fundamental political games remain the same. They observed that campaigns now react to events within minutes, a stark contrast to previous elections where responses took hours. Despite the technological advancements, the core strategy for each party is still to define the central issues of the election.

One advisor highlighted the unique approach of Benny Gantz's campaign, which contrasts sharply with his public image. Gantz is perceived as statesmanlike and reserved, but his social media team is described as fast, audacious, and bold. This strategy allows him to maintain his 'statesmanlike asset' image while his campaign team engages more aggressively, a difficult but effectively executed balance.

Another observation focused on the shift in voter behavior, suggesting that strategic thinking can sometimes alienate voters who might otherwise agree with a party's platform. The advice given is to frame voting from the heart as the truly strategic choice, likening parties like the Democrats to a 'sure bet.' This reflects a broader trend where authenticity is paramount in an era where polished content can appear suspect.

Experts also noted the increasing political cost of being perceived as a 'traitor' to one's political bloc, forcing candidates to differentiate themselves from rivals within their own camps. Direct engagement with the public at eye level is preferred, with Naftali Bennett's 'parliamentary campaigns' cited as an example of successful authenticity. In contrast, Ofer Winter reportedly faced significant pressure from his base to declare support for Benjamin Netanyahu after initially attempting a campaign not pre-committed to him.

Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign is noted for employing tactics typically reserved for the final days before an election, such as attending large public events, including a concert. However, his campaign is currently seen as lacking a unified message and failing to dictate the public agenda as desired. The advisors emphasized that the success of any campaign will ultimately be judged by its ability to set the relevant agenda in the crucial final days, likening the process to gradually increasing intensity, as in the movie 'Operation Grandma.'