Netanyahu Aide Shares AI Image Depicting Haredi Leaders as Drunkards

Topaz Luk, a close advisor to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, caused a stir on Tuesday after resharing an AI-generated image on X, formerly Twitter. The image, which Luk quickly deleted and then clarified, depicted the leaders of Haredi parties Arie Deri, Yaakov Asher, and Yitzhak Goldknopf as drunkards with whiskey and cigars, being served by Avigdor Lieberman. The original post, shared from the "HaMatzuda" account which claims to reveal behind-the-scenes Likud information, referred to a "Lieberman's servants alliance."

Following the backlash, Luk deleted the retweet and issued a statement. "I see that some people are getting excited about a retweet that was done by mistake," he wrote. He added, "Let there be no mistakes, I love the Haredi public, I appreciate them, and I am in warm contact with many of them. To me, they are brothers, partners, and an integral part of Israeli society and our camp. This is a public with a huge heart. A public that volunteers, saves lives, helps families, and cares for those who need help, without asking questions. People who love the country, want its success, and contribute to it every day. I know this closely."

Luk further stated, "Lieberman, Lapid, and Bennett have for years capitalized politically on incitement against the Haredi public. Lieberman even spoke about throwing Haredim in wheelbarrows. These things must not be forgotten. Thank you for your attention."