Fake Social Media Profiles Linked to Otzma Yehudit Campaign Attack Rivals

An investigation by "Fake Reporter" has uncovered over 100 fake social media profiles, many created using AI, that have been used in a coordinated influence operation targeting rivals of Otzma Yehudit chairman Itamar Ben-Gvir. These profiles allegedly originated from the consulting firm Rosenbaum Communications, which is managing Ben-Gvir's campaign.

The operation involved creating numerous profiles, often with AI-generated images and minimal activity, to post comments and content supporting Ben-Gvir and Otzma Yehudit, while simultaneously attacking political opponents. Key targets included Bezalel Smotrich, chairman of the Religious Zionism party, and Ofer Winter, chairman of Am Israel.

According to the report, the fake profiles posted comments suggesting Prime Minister Netanyahu should support Ben-Gvir over Smotrich, and also promoted positive messages towards MK Tali Gottlieb before her departure from the Likud to join Ben-Gvir's party. The operation also included harsh criticism of Smotrich, labeling him arrogant and fiscally irresponsible, and attacked Winter, accusing him of being a puppet of Bennett and catering to the left.

Ofer Winter responded to the report, stating, "Protection rackets are rampant and crime is raging, and a minister in Israel is busy with influence operations against right-wing parties." A spokesperson for Itamar Ben-Gvir dismissed the report, calling "Fake Reporter" a tool of the "extreme left" and foreign funding, and drew a parallel to previous accusations before the last election that were ultimately rejected by voters.