Likud Threatens Legal Action Over Bennett's Use of IDF Footage in Election Video

The Likud party sent a formal warning on Monday to Naftali Bennett demanding the removal of a video he posted on social media platform X. The video, uploaded on August 16, features members of "Unit Avshalom," an IDF reserve force, carrying weapons and wearing military uniforms. Likud claims this constitutes illegal use of soldiers, uniforms, and weapons in election propaganda, violating Israeli election law. The party argues that the military imagery is central to the video's message and that "Unit Avshalom" is not a private civilian group but a special reserve unit established during the war to defend border communities.

Likud's lawyer, Ilan Bombach, stated that although the visit shown in the video was at the invitation of the Nahal Oz battalion commander, this does not negate the video's propagandistic nature. The party demands Bennett remove the video from X and any other platforms by 12:00 PM on August 18. If Bennett fails to comply, Likud plans to urgently petition the chairman of the Central Elections Committee to issue an order preventing further distribution of the video.

This dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Netanyahu's Likud and Bennett ahead of upcoming elections, with Likud accusing Bennett of exploiting public military assets for political gain. Political analyst Amit Segal commented on the situation, noting it reflects Netanyahu's concerns about Bennett's campaign tactics.