Netanyahu reveals ‘personal phone number’ to lift Telegram presence

Opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu ostensibly revealed his “personal phone number” and encouraged the public to “video call him” in a clip shared by his social media accounts on Monday.

The stunt is designed to encourage users to join Netanyahu’s Telegram channel, where he is expected to upload campaign material in the leadup to November’s election.

In a video posted on the former prime minister’s Telegram channel and shared by users on social media, Netanyahu says, “I speak to so many people… you know what? I’ve made a dramatic, world-changing decision: Why should only some people have my phone number? Everyone should have it, and I’m going to give it to you.”

Netanyahu proceeds to read out the phone number before imploring readers to video call him. He adds that anyone who sends a screenshot showing they’ve signed up to the Telegram channel will have a better chance of receiving a call from the Likud chairman.

After the video’s publication, Netanyahu’s Facebook page posted follow-up clips ostensibly showing hundreds of calls and messages flooding into an iPhone.

The Likud chief is hoping his campaign gives him the edge come election day, with the latest polls showing the right-wing bloc would receive 59-60 seats, one short of a majority.