Ex-PM Naftali Bennett Falls for Prank in Viral Basketball Video Sparking Social Media Jabs

A humorous video featuring former Israeli Prime Minister and Yachdav party leader Naftali Bennett has quickly gone viral, prompting a wave of sarcastic comments on Instagram. The clip, created by social media personality Ori Brand, shows Brand playing basketball against Bennett, successfully breaking through Bennett's defense to score. When Brand offers a handshake, Bennett moves to accept it but Brand pulls back at the last moment, making a mocking face.

The staged prank sparked immediate reactions, with many using the moment to deliver political barbs. Influencer Omri Haykari criticized Bennett's defensive skills, writing, "A prime minister who doesn’t defend? Falling for the oldest fake handshake trick? Not acceptable. Naftali Bennett, you lost my vote." Reality TV personality Shaf Raz made a pun, saying, "Looks like Bennett is weak on the left." Another user, Noam Agassi, mocked the video’s concept, imagining the creative pitch behind it as a guaranteed winning strategy for Bennett’s election campaign.

Even former hostage Rom Breslavski joined the commentary, questioning if the video was part of Bennett’s election campaign preparations. The video and ensuing reactions highlight the blend of humor and political critique circulating on social media ahead of Israel’s 2026 elections.