Attack on the bloc: Ben Gvir's influence operation
An investigation by 'Fake Reporter' reveals over 100 fake profiles created using artificial intelligence, linked to the campaign of Otzma Yehudit. The profiles attacked Bezalel Smotrich and Ofer Winter, and promoted positive messages for Ben Gvir and Tali Gottlieb before her joining. The source of the profiles is Rosenbaum Communications.
An investigation by 'Fake Reporter' reveals over 100 fake profiles on social networks, created using artificial intelligence, linked to the campaign of the Otzma Yehudit party led by Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. The profiles, originating from the consulting firm Rosenbaum Communications responsible for the campaign, conducted an 'influence operation' that included attacks on Ben Gvir's political rivals – Religious Zionism chairman Bezalel Smotrich and Amcha Israel chairman Ofer Winter. The profiles posted supportive comments for Ben Gvir, called on Tali Gottlieb to join him, and attacked Smotrich and Winter with messages like 'arrogance and haughtiness' and 'Kaplan funds and stands behind Winter'. The CEO of Fake Reporter, Nir Rozen, said this is a growing use of bots ahead of the elections, which could violate election campaign laws. Ben Gvir's office denied the claims, and Amcha Israel chairman Ofer Winter responded: 'The protection racket is surging and crime is rampant – and a minister in Israel is busy with influence operations against right-wing parties.'