The use of artificial intelligence in Israel's upcoming elections has gained significant traction, with AI-generated videos and images being used as a tool in political campaigns. This development has raised concerns about the potential impact on voters and the spread of misinformation in a highly polarized electoral race. A recent incident involving a 33-second video that appeared to show senior Israeli judges and the attorney general being escorted by security guards during a protest against the government has highlighted the issue. However, the video was later found to be AI-generated.
The video in question was shared by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a vocal critic of the judiciary, sparking widespread reactions. While some argued that the video could contribute to incitement, others defended its publication as part of allegations against the leaders of the Israeli legal system of seeking to obstruct government policies. According to Anat Ben David, who leads the This is AI project at Israel's Open University, the current elections mark the first time AI has been used to this extent in an Israeli election.
Ben David's team has been monitoring the use of AI-generated content in political campaigns since late July, and has found that such technologies are being used across the political spectrum. The team found that around 45% of the materials tracked were attributed to the campaign of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while other parties and groups also used the technology. The use of AI-generated content has become a common practice in Israeli politics, with both large and small parties utilizing it to produce attention-grabbing materials and create widespread dissemination.
The use of AI in election campaigns is not limited to the production of media materials, but also involves the manipulation of context and the creation of fake events. In some cases, AI-generated content has been used to evoke emotions and influence voters' decisions. This has raised questions about the limits of its use and its impact on the electoral process. Netanyahu's AI-generated ad, which targeted his main rival Gadi Eisenkot, sparked controversy in July 2026.
The ad, which featured Eisenkot in a cinematic setting, was criticized for its use of a sensitive image related to Eisenkot's late son, who was killed during military service in Gaza. The ad was later removed, but not before it sparked widespread debate. Similarly, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's AI-generated ad, which boasted about denying food to Palestinian prisoners, was also removed. However, the removal of these materials does not necessarily mean that their impact is erased.
AI-generated content can still be found and shared online, making it difficult to control its dissemination after it has been spread. The use of AI in election campaigns has raised concerns about the potential for manipulation and the spread of misinformation. As the use of AI-generated content becomes more widespread, it remains to be seen how its impact will be mitigated and regulated. The Israeli government has not yet established clear guidelines for the use of AI in election campaigns.
The use of AI-generated content in Israeli politics highlights the need for greater transparency and regulation in the use of such technologies. As the country prepares for its upcoming elections, it is essential to address the concerns surrounding the use of AI-generated content and ensure that its impact on the electoral process is minimized. Key players, including Netanyahu, Eisenkot, and Ben Gvir, have all utilized AI-generated content in their campaigns, highlighting the need for clear guidelines on its use.
Key points
- The use of AI-generated content in Israeli election campaigns has raised concerns about its impact on voters and the spread of misinformation.
- AI-generated content has been used by various parties and groups across the Israeli political spectrum.
- The use of AI-generated content in Israeli politics highlights the need for greater transparency and regulation.
