AI in Israeli Campaigns

As Israeli legislative elections approach on October 27, the use of generative AI in campaign materials by political parties has become a prominent feature of the electoral landscape. According to a study by the Open University, at least 13% of campaign clips shared by political figures were fabricated using AI, with the Likud party responsible for 70% of such content, followed by the Democratic Party.

Far-right AI Use

Far-right parties, including the Religious Zionist Party and Otzma Yehudit, have also actively used AI-generated videos in their campaigns. On July 26, the electoral commission mandated that political staff report the use of AI in campaign materials.

AI Video Example

One notable example involves an AI-generated video published by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his X account in July 2026, which depicted Gadi Eisenkot, a Yashar party candidate, embracing Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List (Ra'am). The clip was modified after strong public reaction, with Netanyahu replacing the young man with a woman.

Political Rivalry Tactics

The Likud has used AI-generated content to attack political rivals by associating them with Palestinian political figures. For instance, a video depicted Yair Lapid and Naftali Bennett, who formed an alliance in the Together list, as children sitting in a car driven by Mansour Abbas, with the caption suggesting they were allies of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Delegitimizing Rivals

Another clip showed Lapid and Bennett tearing off masks to reveal Abbas and Palestinian MP Ahmad Tibi. These videos aim to delegitimize rivals by linking them to Palestinian political figures, despite the candidates' stated opposition to alliances with "Arab parties."

AI Against Netanyahu

Avigdor Lieberman, candidate for Yisrael Beiteinu, has also used AI-generated content against Netanyahu, including a false image of the prime minister holding hands with Abbas. These videos draw on racist and conspiratorial imagery, portraying Palestinian political figures as enemies manipulating Jewish candidates.

Role of Palestinian Parties

The internal Palestinian parties, including Ra'am, could play a pivotal role in the election, as neither the Netanyahu bloc nor the Eisenkot bloc has secured a majority. The Ra'am party's support could be crucial for forming a governing coalition. The use of AI-generated content by the Likud and its allies aims to frame themselves as the sole bulwark against any government including ministers from the Palestinian minority.

Far-right Propaganda

Far-right candidates, such as Itamar Ben Gvir, have used AI-generated content to promote policies of physical and sexual violence against Palestinian detainees. Videos depict Palestinians as overweight and in dire conditions, promoting a narrative of starvation as a solution. These contents aim to normalize extreme violence and dehumanize Palestinians, reflecting broader Israeli policies and rhetoric.

AI and Policy Promotion

AI-generated content is also used to disseminate political programs, with videos highlighting policies of incarceration and ethnic cleansing. These materials test the limits of international tolerance for Israeli actions and the government's impunity.