From the Liveblog of
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Yisrael Beytenu threatens to sue Facebook user for fake AI image of Liberman hugging Abbas
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleSam Sokol is a former political correspondent at The Times of Israel. He was previously a reporter for the Jerusalem Post, Jewish Telegraphic Agency and Haaretz. He is the author of "Putin’s Hybrid War and the Jews"
The hawkish Yisrael Beytenu opposition party threatens to sue a social media user for an AI-generated image of its chairman, Avigdor Liberman, hugging Mansour Abbas, the chairman of the Islamist Ra’am party.
“In recent days, a false and distorted publication against Yisrael Beiteinu has been circulating on social media, involving the cynical and intentional use of fake AI images designed to mislead the public and harm the party. A preliminary investigation reveals that an account involved in spreading these lies is identified with Netanyahu supporters and even operates simultaneously to promote a specific candidate in the Likud primaries,” the party posts on X.
“The matter has been referred for legal action, and our attorney has issued a warning letter ahead of taking legal proceedings against all those involved in distributing and echoing the false publication,” the party adds.
A copy of the letter, sent to Facebook user Natalia Haritonova by an attorney representing the party, threatens to sue unless the picture is removed.
Experts have raised concerns about the use of generative AI in the run-up to this year’s Knesset elections, due to take place by October. In February, the Central Elections Committee ruled that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party had to take down a manipulated image that appeared to show Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid joining hands with Arab party leaders in celebration of a deal that the two men weren’t part of or present for.
The Times of Israel Community.