Netanyahu Faces Backlash Over AI Video Targeting Gadi Eisenkot, Likud Issues Apology

On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party released an AI-generated video targeting Gadi Eisenkot, chairman of the Yisrael party, sparking widespread outrage online. The video depicted Eisenkot running with open arms toward a young man symbolizing "Israeli unity," but at the last moment, he diverts to embrace Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party. Many viewers noted that the young man resembled Gal Eisenkot, Gadi Eisenkot's son, who was killed in combat in Gaza during the recent war, though the video did not explicitly state this.

The resemblance led to sharp criticism on social media. Einav Tsengauker, whose son was held captive by Hamas for over two years, expressed that the video’s imagery was painful and accused Netanyahu of incitement. Gil Dikman, cousin of Carmel Gat who was murdered in Hamas captivity, also condemned the video. Former Knesset member Limor Livnat called the video "pathetic" and criticized Netanyahu for exploiting a rival whose son died in a war Netanyahu led. Former IDF spokesperson Avi Benayahu described the video as insulting and humiliating.

The controversy attracted international attention, including coverage by The New York Times. In response to the backlash, Netanyahu released a revised version of the video replacing the young man with a woman and stated that extremists were spreading false conspiracies to hide the simple truth that Eisenkot cannot form a government without Arab parties and Yair Golan. Netanyahu’s advisor, Yonatan Urich, shared the new video emphasizing it was to dispel any doubts.

The incident highlights the sensitive political and personal dimensions involved in Israeli politics, especially regarding the recent war and coalition negotiations involving Arab parties.