Likud Launches Extensive AI Video Campaign Against Gadi Eizenkot Ahead of Israeli Elections

On the evening of June 8, the Likud party released a brief message on its official account stating "No Gadi without Tibi," accompanied by an 11-second AI-generated video showing politicians Gadi Eizenkot and Ahmad Tibi together, with the caption "Eizenkot has no government without the Arabs." CNN extensively covered this development, highlighting that the video underscores two key elements of Likud's election campaign: Prime Minister Netanyahu's continued use of anti-Arab rhetoric and the framing of former IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot as Netanyahu's main political rival.

CNN explained that while Eizenkot's name may not yet resonate globally, he has gained significant traction in Israel, replacing former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett as Netanyahu's primary challenger. A Netanyahu advisor revealed that Likud has prepared around 400 videos targeting Eizenkot for release. Current polls show Likud leading with 23 seats, followed by Eizenkot's party with 21 seats, and the Bennett-Lapid alliance with 18 seats. When asked who is more suitable for prime minister, 38% favored Eizenkot, while 36% chose Netanyahu.

In recent weeks, Likud has circulated videos mocking Eizenkot's heavy English accent and criticized his stance on Iran, claiming "Gadi will not attack Iran." CNN noted that Eizenkot's contrasting style, soft-spoken, restrained, and non-dramatic, differs sharply from Netanyahu's decades-long dominance of sharp messaging and grand performances, which may contribute to Eizenkot's appeal as a political alternative.

The campaign reflects Likud's strategic effort to undermine Eizenkot by leveraging both rhetoric and a large volume of targeted video content as the Israeli elections approach.