AI deepfakes of Netanyahu and Hamas leader spark election commission crackdown

A deepfake video circulating online depicts Benjamin Netanyahu appearing to converse amicably via video call with Yahya Sinouar, the Hamas commander killed in Gaza in 2024. The Israeli Central Election Commission intervened, ordering Gadi Eisenkot—current rival and former chief of staff—to remove the manipulated clip he had posted on X. After the removal, Eisenkot’s campaign continued to publish a series of AI-generated videos, each ending with a visual of Netanyahu covering his eyes, intended to highlight alleged neglect of prior alerts.

These productions are part of a broader surge of AI-created political content flooding social platforms ahead of the upcoming legislative elections. The episode underscores growing concerns about misinformation tactics influencing voter perception. Authorities have so far limited their response to the commission’s order, with no further legal actions reported.