Likud Denies Claims of Insensitivity in Netanyahu's AI Video Targeting Gadi Eizenkot

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released an AI-generated video targeting Gadi Eizenkot, chairman of the "Yashar" party, which sparked widespread controversy on social media. The video depicts Eizenkot running with open arms toward a figure wearing a shirt labeled "Unity for Israel," then embracing Mansour Abbas, leader of the Ra'am party.

Following the video's release on July 20, 2026, some social media users alleged that one of the figures resembled Gal Eizenkot, Gadi's son who was killed in the war, leading to accusations that the video was offensive and inappropriate. Likud officials firmly rejected these claims, calling them baseless political spin and clarifying that there was no connection between the character and Gal Eizenkot.

In response to the public backlash, Jonathan Orich, Netanyahu's advisor, issued a revised version of the video replacing the controversial figure with a woman, accompanied by the caption "For the avoidance of any doubt." This move aimed to quell the criticism and clarify the party's stance. The incident highlights the heightened sensitivity surrounding political messaging and the use of AI in Israeli political campaigns.