Miri Regev Faces Backlash for Using AI-Altered Photo with Netanyahu Ahead of Likud Primaries

Ahead of the Likud party primaries scheduled for Monday, August 17, 2026, Israeli politician Miri Regev posted a photo online showing her shaking hands with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to highlight their connection. However, social media users quickly noticed that the image was not recent and appeared to have been digitally altered using artificial intelligence. The original photo dates back about four years, and the AI edits raised criticism among voters. Regev accompanied the photo with a message thanking Netanyahu for his trust and support and urged Likud members to vote for her, listing her primary ballot number as 138.

The public reaction was largely negative, with commenters mocking the outdated photo and questioning the authenticity of her claims of partnership with Netanyahu. Critics also pointed out that many of Regev's key promises since taking office remain unfulfilled. These include the stalled railway project from Kiryat Shmona to Eilat, lack of progress on the "Peace Railway," failure to introduce Uber or establish a Wizz Air base at Ben Gurion Airport, no changes to the frequency of vehicle tests, and the unimplemented plan to increase fines for using a phone while driving to 10,000 shekels.

This controversy adds to Regev's challenges as she seeks to secure support in the upcoming primaries, with voters scrutinizing both her campaign tactics and her record in office.