Netanyahu Sparks Outrage with AI Video Targeting Gadi Eizenkot

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released an AI-generated video on Monday targeting Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, which provoked sharp criticism on social media. The video depicts Eizenkot running with open arms toward a figure wearing a "Israeli Unity" shirt but then bypassing him to embrace Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party. This imagery was intended to criticize the possibility of Eizenkot forming a government reliant on Ra'am. However, many viewers found the video deeply offensive, especially given that Eizenkot’s son, Gal, was killed in the war.

Social media users expressed that the video’s portrayal of Eizenkot running for an embrace was a painful and inappropriate metaphor. Einav Tsengauker remarked that she initially thought the figure would be Eizenkot’s late son, which would have been a touching moment, but instead saw what she called Netanyahu’s "incitement machine." Former IDF spokesperson Avi Benayahu also condemned the video, calling it "horrific and monstrous" and personally insulting to Eizenkot as a bereaved father. He questioned Netanyahu directly, asking if he truly approved the video’s release.

Additional responses described the video as a new low and a "below-the-belt hit." Even some Netanyahu supporters expressed confusion and disapproval over the video’s publication. As of now, Netanyahu has neither removed the video nor responded to the backlash it generated.