Yisrael Beiteinu Files Complaint Over Russian-Language Smear Campaign

Yisrael Beiteinu has filed a complaint with the police and the Central Elections Committee regarding thousands of text messages targeting party chairman Avigdor Lieberman. The messages, distributed last Thursday to Russian-speaking Israelis, directed recipients to an anonymous website containing negative content about Lieberman. The texts, which questioned his suitability for prime minister due to his alleged reputation, linked to liberman.live, a site that did not disclose its backers.

A "Fake Reporter" investigation revealed the messages were sent via a company called "Pulse." In a warning letter to the Likud's legal advisor, Ilan Bombach, Yisrael Beiteinu cited the company's response, stating that "it appears the messages were sent on behalf of the Likud party." The company reportedly directed further inquiries to an individual named Avner, identified as the party's secretary-general.

Yisrael Beiteinu claims these findings support their suspicion that the Likud is behind the website's creation and content funding. The party is demanding an investigation into who initiated and financed the campaign, and has called on the Likud to cease message distribution, remove the website's content, and reveal those involved. The warning letter also requires the Likud to preserve all related documentation, including correspondence with suppliers, invoices, and delivery records.

Both Yisrael Beiteinu and Fake Reporter assert that the publications violate the Election Law (Propaganda Methods), which mandates disclosure of the advertiser and their affiliated entity. Fake Reporter stated, "It is very regrettable that this is the way of the ruling party in Israel, to repeatedly and blatantly violate the provisions of the law." The organization added, "We will continue to expose influence operations, domestic and foreign, aimed at disrupting public opinion before the elections."