Israel's Election Committee Says Likud Used Military Footage in Netanyahu Ads Illegally
The Central Elections Committee found that Likud did not pay the IDF for using military photos and videos in Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign ads, violating election law.
On Tuesday the Central Elections Committee announced that Likud failed to compensate the Israel Defense Forces for employing military photographs and video clips in several advertisements supporting Benjamin Netanyahu, contravening Section 2a of the election law that forbids the use of public assets without payment. Committee chairman Justice Noam Solberg clarified that the rule also covers material recorded by the IDF Spokesperson’s Unit, and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara said investigators could not pinpoint every source but believed some footage originated from the IDF.
The finding arrives as Prime Minister Netanyahu recently secured a public endorsement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that a different Israeli leader could force America to act alone against Iran. Meanwhile, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded in French to a French foreign- ministry X account that mocked his ban from France, which was imposed over his conduct toward Gaza flotilla activists. The episode underscores tensions between domestic electoral regulations and broader international political dynamics.
Why it matters
Using military resources in political ads breaches election rules and raises concerns about fairness and foreign influence.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 Netanyahu urges fragmented right-wing parties to merge ahead of October election
- Oct 6 The United Nations Secretary‑General called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
- Oct 6 Opposition leaders met to outline a coordinated electoral strategy.
- Oct 6 Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a heightened state of readiness for Israeli forces in Gaza and warned of severe retaliation if troops are harmed.
- Oct 7 President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal lit a memorial candle at the President’s Residence at 6:29 a.m., opening the October 7 remembrance ceremony.
- Oct 7 Israel placed its security forces at maximum readiness on the anniversary, citing possible new Hamas attacks.
- Oct 7 Families of victims rallied across Israel demanding an inquiry into the October 7 response.
- Oct 7 A civilian‑led memorial ceremony was held at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv.
- Oct 18 Donald Trump publicly backed Benjamin Netanyahu’s reelection bid, saying the Israeli leader is essential to counter Iran and that a different premier would force the United States to take on more of the conflict.
- Oct 18 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US President Donald Trump on Sunday for his support ahead of the parliamentary elections on 27 October.
- Oct 18 Trump posted his endorsement of Netanyahu on Truth Social.
- Oct 19 Netanyahu warned Israel could face a hostile U.S. president after Trump’s term.
- Oct 19 Trump warned that a different Israeli leader could compel the United States to intervene against Iran.
- Oct 20 Vice President JD Vance announced he will not support Netanyahu in the Israeli election.
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