International
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked controversy after posting an AI generated photo with a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv and saying Israel is under an existential threat from Iran. Opposition leaders have heavily criticised Netanyahu for using scare tactics ahead of the Israel elections.
In the image, a huge mushroom cloud looms over a busy city as buildings exploded. He then posted a quote from Israeli writer and political commentator Yuval Blumberg saying Israel should focus on the Iranian threat.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu posted an AI-generated image of a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv, citing an existential threat from Iran ahead of elections, which opposition leaders Yair Golan and Gadi Eisenkot denounced as election scare tactics.
נתניהו אתה בהיסטריה.כמו בכל מערכת בחירות, שוב אותה שיטה של שקרים והפחדות. הפעם – איום על אזרחי ישראל בהשמדה המונית. וזה אחרי שנכשלת בהשגת מטרות המלחמה באיראן.מהבטחות לניצחון מוחלט עברת ל״לא נכנע״.זה כל הסיפור.אתה נכשלת. ובעוד יומיים, עם ישראל יראה לך את זה בקלפי.אנחנו נקים את הממשלה הבאה ונוביל את ישראל לביטחון ולשגשוג.
— Gadi Eisenkot – גדי איזנקוט (@gadi_eisenkot) October 25, 2026
Netanyahu Says Iran Poses Existential Threat To Israel
“An existential threat exists if Iran succeeds in obtaining nuclear weapons.”
“The political fracas distracts people from our greatest challenge in the coming days – facing its main threat – Iran and its allies in the region.”
He also noted how Israel had two more years left in the term of US President Donald Trump.
“We must utilise this opportunity to finish all the work needed to guarantee Israel’s security. Our resources must be devoted to this goal.”
This shows how Netanyahu has long made the threat of Iran getting nuclear weapons a key issue for Israeli national security.
Opposition Leaders Say Netanyahu Using Scare Tactics
However, Netanyahu’s post soon came under fire as politicians from the opposition questioned why Netanyahu would post such a dramatic image.
“Posting a photo of an atomic explosion over Tel Aviv cannot be condoned. The prime minister is feeling increasing pressure ahead of the election. We must limit his activity on social media,” said Yair Golan, Chairman of the Democrats party.
Gadi Eisenkot, Chairman of the Yashar party also took issue with Netanyahu’s message. “Using scare tactics and false information. This is a classic election tactic.”
This shows just how much Netanyahu is focusing on the Iranian threat while being heavily criticised by the opposition on how he is portraying national security issues.
Israel Election: How The Majority Is Achieved
Israel uses a nationwide proportional representation system to elect their 120 member Knesset. Parties gain seats in parliament depending on the amount of votes they gained.
A party or coalition needs to gain the support of at least 61 members to achieve a majority in parliament.
As the issue of Iran’s nuclear ambition is coming up in politics, Netanyahu’s controversial post has highlighted the importance of national security in Israel as they go to the polls.
