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Israeli Right-Wing Networks Rapidly Disseminate Netanyahu's Messages Via Telegram and WhatsApp
An Israeli investigation revealed that right-wing Telegram and WhatsApp networks are rapidly disseminating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's messages and Likud campaign content to hundreds of thousands of Israelis, bypassing traditional media.
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What happened
- 01Right-wing Telegram and WhatsApp networks are rapidly spreading Prime Minister Netanyahu's messages to hundreds of thousands of Israelis.
- 02An investigation by Haaretz monitored over 100,000 messages across 150 channels and groups in the run-up to the 2026 elections.
- 03Right-wing channels show a significant follower advantage, with some reaching hundreds of thousands of users.
- 04Messaging apps bypass social media algorithms, delivering political content directly to users' mobile phones.
- 05The "Malachim" network, run by Avi Ravina, disseminates pro-Likud content and has received substantial payments from Likud officials.
- 06International studies have linked messaging apps to the rapid spread of misinformation during elections.
The Haaretz report monitored over 100,000 messages across 150 channels and groups in the weeks before the 2026 elections. These networks, including "Malachim" and "Ha'Kastel," are used for direct communication, with some operators receiving significant payments from Likud officials for their services.
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