Israeli Election Campaigns Embrace AI, Direct Voter Contact

Israeli election campaigns are increasingly leveraging technology and artificial intelligence to capture voter attention, according to political strategists cited by "Maariv." While digital tools and AI accelerate campaign responsiveness, the fundamental goal remains unchanged: defining key election issues and attracting undecided voters.

Communication consultant Itzik Alrov notes that campaign teams can now rapidly produce videos, images, and tailored messages, significantly speeding up political reactions. However, he maintains that technology hasn't altered the core of political strategy, which still focuses on setting the election agenda and persuading voters. Alrov highlighted Avigdor Lieberman's campaign for its blend of strong security rhetoric with a liberal domestic agenda, aiming to appeal to voters who desire a strong state but oppose religious coercion and military service exemptions. He also pointed to Gadi Eisenkot's campaign, where a restrained public persona is complemented by a bold social media presence, allowing him to project statesmanship while enhancing digital reach. Naftali Bennett's willingness to engage in confrontational settings was also noted as a tactic to retain his base and reshape his image, with Alrov stating, "A campaign that does not take risks usually does not overcome any obstacles."

Alrov also suggested that some potential supporters of the Democratic Party are overly focused on "electoral mathematics," choosing parties based on perceived government-forming potential rather than ideological alignment. Strategic consultant Roni Rimmon believes the main contest will be between political blocs, emphasizing the importance of voters who can shift between coalition and opposition. Rimmon advises parties to focus on appealing to undecided voters with calm, business-like language rather than excessive criticism of rivals. He also suggested that Eisenkot's lack of overt charisma might be perceived as reliability, stating, "Lack of charisma in our time is equivalent to trust."

Rimmon views AI primarily as a tool for faster content creation, stressing that its effectiveness depends on its application, not on building an entire campaign around it. Tal Alexandrovich-Segev, co-CEO of Ben Horin Alexandrovich, observed a trend towards politicians seeking to stand out without alienating their base, shifting from polished public images to more direct, natural engagement. She emphasized the growing importance of authenticity in the age of AI, with voters valuing sincerity over polished advertising. Alexandrovich-Segev cited Bennett and Eisenkot as examples of politicians moving away from overly formal personas. She also noted increased societal tolerance for politicians' ambiguous statements, granting them more leeway. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's adoption of tactics typically reserved for later campaign stages was also mentioned, though his team has yet to establish a clear message or fully dictate the public agenda.

Experts agree that a final assessment of these campaigns is premature, as the final days before the election often see intensified activity and decisive voter choices. "Maariv" previously reported on Lieberman challenging Eisenkot to gain an advantage.