Netanyahu posts AI image of nuke hitting Tel Aviv, warns of ‘2nd Holocaust’ if he’s not elected; Eisenkot: He’s hysterical

Live updates

1. 56m ago

   Netanyahu posts AI nuclear image as election concludes

   Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted an artificial intelligence-generated image depicting a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv ahead of a general election. The post warned of a second holocaust if he is not reelected, drawing sharp rebukes from political opponents. Opposition figures Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan accused Netanyahu of using fear as an election tactic, with Eisenkot calling him hysterical. The election pitted Netanyahu and his Likud party against an opposition bloc led by Eisenkot, leaving the prime minister set to remain as caretaker after an inconclusive vote.

   Why it matters

   The electoral showdown marked Netanyahu's first general election since the Hamas-led October 7 attacks and the subsequent military campaign in Gaza. Alongside domestic polling battles, Netanyahu faced international condemnation at the United Nations for actions in Gaza and the West Bank, while continuing to call for the overthrow of Iran. The political landscape was further strained by reports of tensions between political leadership and the military establishment regarding Iran-related action.

   What is confirmed

   • Benjamin Netanyahu posted an AI-generated image of a nuclear explosion over Tel Aviv and warned of a second holocaust if he is not elected.
   • Opposition leaders Gadi Eisenkot and Yair Golan criticized the post, accusing Netanyahu of using fear as an election tactic, with Eisenkot calling him hysterical.
   • Israelis voted in a general election pitting Netanyahu's Likud party against an opposition bloc led by former military chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot.
   • Benjamin Netanyahu appeared set to remain Israel's caretaker prime minister after an inconclusive election result.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The White House was reportedly worried that Netanyahu's Tel Aviv nuclear post could lead Iran to miscalculate.

   What to watch next

   • Final election tallies and coalition formation negotiations between Netanyahu and his political rivals.
   • Official responses from international actors regarding the caretaker government and regional security posture.
   Sources used for this update (22)

   1. www.aljazeera.com — Benjamin Netanyahu | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
   2. www.cbsnews.com — Israel's Netanyahu set to hit back at widespread criticism in U.N. address
   3. en.wikipedia.org — Benjamin Netanyahu - Wikipedia
   4. en.wikipedia.org — Political positions of Benjamin Netanyahu - Wikipedia
   5. Fox News — Netanyahu calls for US and Israel to overthrow Iran as Brent crude hits five-month high
   6. Al Jazeera — Netanyahu promises Iran regime change: Can Israel topple Tehran government?
   7. Ynetnews — Netanyahu posts image of atomic bomb over Tel Aviv: ‘Nothing else will matter’
   8. The Jerusalem Post — Netanyahu shares AI-generated image of nuclear explosion in Tel Aviv, two days before election
   9. The Times of Israel — PM posts AI image of nuke hitting Tel Aviv, warns of ‘2nd Holocaust’ if he’s not elected
   10. The Times of Israel — White House worried Netanyahu's Tel Aviv nuke post could lead Iran to miscalculate -- report
   11. The Times of Israel — Opposition leaders slam report of Netanyahu clashing with Zamir as 'treason' and 'off the rails'
   12. The Times of Israel — In ‘unprecedented confrontation,’ IDF chief said resisting PM’s order for military action tied to Iran
   confidence 90%