Yashar! Party Demands Smotrich Remove AI Video Targeting Judiciary
Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar! party demanded Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich remove an AI-generated video depicting senior Israeli judges as rioters, drawing sharp rebukes.
The "Yashar!" party, led by Gadi Eisenkot, issued a formal warning letter on Thursday to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and the Religious Zionism party, demanding the immediate removal of an artificial intelligence-generated video published on Smotrich's X account depicting senior judicial officials.
The letter, sent via attorney Uri Haberman, argues that the video transcends legitimate political discourse and constitutes inflammatory publication. It asserts that the video fabricates a false reality in which senior judicial figures allegedly participate in a political demonstration, riot, and are forcibly dragged by police officers.
Content of the Controversial Video
The video prominently features Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit and Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara demonstrating against Smotrich. Alongside these depictions, messages appear concerning the continued promotion of judicial reforms, including the dismissal of the Attorney General, alterations to the judicial appointment process, and the advancement of the override clause.
"Elections are not a civil war. Not even in offensive AI videos. We can debate substantively," stated President Isaac Herzog during a judges' swearing-in ceremony.
Representatives from the "Yashar!" party contend that the publication may constitute the offense of contempt of court under the Penal Law and unlawfully utilizes the likenesses and status of senior judicial officials for election propaganda. The party further asserts that portraying judges and the Attorney General as lawbreakers represents dangerous incitement that crosses a red line, accusing Smotrich of putting their lives at risk in a desperate bid for votes.
Broader Political Context
This legal notice follows closely after the Religious Zionism faction unveiled the legislative program for the upcoming term championed by Smotrich and Constitution Committee Chairman Simcha Rothman. The proposed measures include splitting the role of the Attorney General, expanding political appointments in the civil service, advancing the override clause, and altering the selection mechanism for Supreme Court justices.
The video has drawn widespread political and public condemnation. Gadi Eisenkot condemned the publication as despicable and violent, arguing that it deepens societal divisions in Israel. The "Yashar!" party has demanded the complete removal of the video across all digital channels operated by Smotrich and his political faction.
