‘Have a problem, call the PM,’ says Netanyahu as he gives out his number in campaign video

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted what he described as his personal phone number on social media, inviting Israelis to contact him with questions and problems. The WhatsApp account was blocked within minutes due to the volume of responses. Critics suggested the move was a ploy to collect voter data. The stunt is part of Netanyahu's difficult reelection campaign, with polls showing his Likud party trailing Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party. A clue in the video—a WhatsApp group backing political rival Naftali Bennett—raised further doubts about whether the number was Netanyahu's personal phone.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu posted what he described as his personal phone number on social media on Sunday, August 23, 2026, inviting Israelis to contact him with their questions and problems. The WhatsApp account associated with the number was blocked within minutes due to the flood of responses. Critics, including Kan political correspondent Michael Shemesh, suggested the move was a ploy to collect voter data. A clue in the video—a WhatsApp group backing political rival Naftali Bennett—raised further doubts about whether the number was Netanyahu's personal phone. The Likud spokesperson had not responded to a request for comment. The stunt is part of Netanyahu's difficult reelection campaign, with a Channel 13 poll showing Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party at 23 seats, ahead of Likud with 21, and Eisenkot leading Netanyahu 47% to 34% on suitability for prime minister.