News Anchor Accuses Influencers of Coordinated Political Campaign

Noy Bar, a news anchor for Channel 14, has accused social media influencers of engaging in a coordinated campaign to spread political messages ahead of the upcoming elections. Bar suggested that the similar phrasing used by many influencers, such as "the main thing is that you go out and vote" and "research why things aren't good for you," raises suspicions of a pre-arranged effort. She questioned their understanding of politics, asking, "What do they understand about politics that you don't?"

Bar further pointed to a recent meeting between Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the 'Achva' party, and a group of influencers, noting their subsequent increased activity. She drew a parallel between selling products like laundry detergent or mascara and selling a prime ministerial candidate, suggesting that influencers are being used to sway young, less politically engaged social media users. Bar criticized the influencers for urging their followers to "research and ask what they themselves haven't researched."

Her post sparked significant backlash, with TV presenter Maayan Adam responding that if Bar considers the current situation to be right-wing, then she herself is left-wing. Another influencer confirmed receiving financial offers to share political content from both sides of the political spectrum, stating they refused such offers. Influencer Karin Kleinberg supported Bar's claims, dismissing the idea that influencers would engage in political activities for small sums of money or without being directed.

Bar also addressed criticism leveled at Channel 14, stating she prefers its overt right-wing stance to other channels that she claims present themselves as neutral but are actually left-wing. She reiterated her main point, questioning the authenticity of the influencers' messages and whether they are part of a larger influence operation, emphasizing that transparency about being directed is crucial.