Likud Party election campaign controversy

The Likud Party, led by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has launched a controversial election campaign featuring large billboards in Tel Aviv near the Ayalon Highway. The advertisements group several international figures together, including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

The posters feature the Hebrew slogan, “They want Netanyahu to lose. Do not let them win.” Analysts suggest the strategy aims to consolidate the right-wing voter base by framing regional tensions as a threat to Netanyahu’s leadership. The inclusion of President Erdoğan alongside leaders from Iran and Hezbollah reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions between Israel and Turkey.

The campaign specifically targets Mamdani following his criticism of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Mamdani has previously referred to Netanyahu as a “war criminal” and suggested that U.S. authorities should enforce International Criminal Court arrest warrants if the Prime Minister visits New York for the United Nations General Assembly. Netanyahu has responded by accusing Mamdani of “fomenting hate” and expressing concern that progressive Democrats aligned with the Mayor could undermine bipartisan support for Israel in the United States.

This political escalation occurs as Israel prepares for general elections in October, following the dissolution of the Knesset in July. Additional reports have emerged regarding internal Likud dynamics, including allegations of cash payments to voters during primaries and potential efforts by Netanyahu associates to purge Chareidi members deemed disloyal to the party.