Ehud Banai Condemns Netanyahu AI Campaign, Warns Against Believing It

Renowned Israeli musician Ehud Banai sharply criticized the AI-generated election campaign videos released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's camp and the Religious Zionism party. Speaking on his Friday radio show on Galei Tzahal, Banai expressed fear and distrust toward Netanyahu's campaign, particularly highlighting a video featuring former IDF Chief of Staff and "Yashar" party leader Gadi Eizenkot alongside an AI-generated image of his deceased son, who died in the Gaza war. Banai said, "Whoever believes him should be afraid. The truth is, I don't believe him at all, and yet I am afraid."

Banai also condemned a Religious Zionism campaign video that disparaged Reform Rabbi Gilad Kariv by showing him alongside pigs and bacon strips with the caption "Gilad 'Bar Mitzvah for Dogs' Kariv," released just two days before the Jewish fast day of Tisha B'Av. He called the video hateful and inappropriate for a party that still identifies as religious.

Banai referenced Rabbi Shmuel Halevi Ashlag's teaching that two things remain from the destruction of the Second Temple: the Western Wall and baseless hatred. He warned that such hatred is intensifying ahead of the elections, fueled by AI-driven propaganda. Banai emphasized that despite the campaign video showing Eizenkot embracing Mansour Abbas instead of the grieving father, he personally has no problem embracing Abbas.

Both videos received widespread criticism across the political spectrum and media for their divisive and inflammatory content. Banai's remarks highlight growing concerns about the use of AI in political propaganda and the escalation of incitement in Israel's upcoming elections.